The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has granted ex-post facto approval for the continuation of Priya Ranjan, a 1998-batch Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer from the Rajasthan cadre, as the Managing Director (MD) of the National Horticulture Board (NHB).
The extension allows him to retain the additional charge of MD, NHB for six more months, starting March 23, 2025, or until a regular appointment is made—or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Also Serving as Joint Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
In addition to his NHB responsibilities, Priya Ranjan is currently posted as Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, where he is actively involved in policymaking and implementation of various flagship initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and farmer welfare.
His extended role at NHB underscores the government’s confidence in his leadership and domain expertise in agriculture and allied sectors.
About the National Horticulture Board
Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the National Horticulture Board is a key institution tasked with the integrated development of the horticulture sector in India. It supports post-harvest management, infrastructure development (like cold chains and storage), and value chain strengthening for fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops.
The Board partners with state governments, private stakeholders, and financial institutions to drive innovation, sustainability, and market expansion in the horticulture space.
Significance of the Extension
The extension reflects the government’s intent to maintain continuity in leadership during a crucial phase of horticulture development. With India aiming to bolster self-reliance and export competitiveness, Priya Ranjan’s continued stewardship at NHB is expected to support key programs and maintain policy momentum in the sector.
