Jagdish Prasad Meena, born in 1958, graduated in 1979 from Govt. College, Dausa, Rajasthan and earned his Master’s in Sociology from Rajasthan University, Jaipur in 1981. He also earned M.A. in Rural Social Development from the University of Reading, U.K., M.Phil. in Social Science from Punjab University and PG Diploma in Public Administration from IIPA, New Delhi. He joined Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1983. Mr. Meena has a privilege of undergoing training in the most prestigious institutions of the world like Colombia University, Cornell University and Howard University of USA, Reading University and Cambridge University of UK; New South Wales University of Australia and IIM, Kolkata, IIPA, IIFT, New Delhi in India. Starting his career, as Sub-Divisional Officer in 1985, in Dhemaji, Assam, he served in various capacities like Additional Deputy Commissioner, Principal Secretary of Autonomous District Council, District Magistrate, Commissioner and Secretary Industries & Commerce, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Welfare of Tribes & OBCs etc. in the Govt. of Assam. He has held important positions in Govt. of India too for a considerably long period like Executive Director, Central Wool Development Board, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Home Affairs before moving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in 2012. Subsequently, he was Addl. Secretary and then Special Secretary in the same Ministry before becoming Secretary in June, 2017. He also served, as a Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs. He superannuated from the post of Secretary to the Govt. of India in August, 2018.

In his career, spanning 35 years, Mr. Meena has contributed immensely to the Policy Planning and execution of the projects for the development in agriculture and Food Processing Sectors. He has more than 15 years experiences in the field of agriculture and food processing. His contributions to agriculture in Assam had brought a revolution in rice production and fruits & vegetables production. In food processing, his outstanding contributions has made the industry vibrant and responsive. He initiated many innovative policies, programmes and interventions, which will guide the future development of Food Processing Sector in the country in the time to come. Mr. Meena has also held important positions in many Professional bodies like Chancellor, National Institute of Food Technology & Entrepreneurship Management (NIFTEM), Chairman, Governing Board, Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Co-chair, Coordination Committee on Food Regulatory Ecosystem to Facilitate Investment and Trade, besides, being the member of the various High Powered Committees & Public Sector Undertaking Boards. He has been a keynote speaker in many seminars and workshops, both at national and international levels. Contribution of Mr. Meena, especially in Food Processing, has provided a definite direction for future development of this sector, which is crucial for viability of the agriculture in the country.