Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture

ICFA Board Members

Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture is apex body in India, working on business, policy and development agenda and serving as global platform for trade facilitation, partnerships, technology and agribusiness services. A proactive approach helps ICFA in discerning critical challenges emerging in Indian agriculture along with creating opportunities for development, value addition and international trade to accelerate growth in food and agriculture sector globally. With its over 25 industry Working Groups and sector-specific Business Councils represents the interests of key stakeholders at the national level, and through its international platforms and partnerships facilitates India's global engagement in the food and agriculture sector.

Chairman
Sh. Suresh Prabhu
Former Union Cabinet Minister

Sh. Suresh Prabhu

Chancellor of Rishihood University and Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA). Former Union Cabinet Minister with a distinguished career, holding key portfolios like Railways, Commerce & Industry, and Civil Aviation. He serves as a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and has contributed to several global strategic dialogues, including engagements with the World Economic Forum and the G20. Shri Prabhu has been a strong advocate for sustainable development, renewable energy, and agricultural reforms, playing a pivotal role in shaping India's economic and environmental policies.

Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS (Retd.)

Chairman of Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, GoI and Former Chairman of Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income, GoI

Bangalore

Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS (Retd.)

Co-Chairman, ICFA, Chairman, Karnataka State Agriculture Price Commission, Chairman, CDAC, SEBI, and Vice Chairman, Committee on Market Reforms

Former Chairman, Empowered Body, DFI, and CEO, NRAA, Govt. of India. Dr. Ashok Dalwai, a retired IAS officer, has been a pivotal figure in reforming India’s agricultural landscape, crafting policies and frameworks aimed at augmenting farmer incomes and enabling rural sustainability. As the visionary leader of the Task Force, he has spearheaded holistic strategies that focus on enhancing productivity, minimizing input costs, and encouraging value addition across the agricultural value chain. His efforts have been instrumental in driving the transformation of Indian agriculture into a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable sector.

Dr. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.)

Former Secretary, AHD
Dpt. of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI

Gurugram

Dr. Tarun Shridhar, IAS Retd

Former Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Dairy, Government of India. Dr. Shridhar has been pivotal in implementing policies to enhance livestock and dairy production, driving India's agricultural sustainability. He introduced several national programs, including the National Livestock Mission, which focused on improving animal health and productivity. Dr. Shridhar's efforts in policy-making have been honored with awards recognizing his excellence in agricultural development.

Dr. Meenesh Shah

Chairman
National Dairy Development Board

Anand

Dr. Meenesh Shah

Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand. With decades of expertise in the dairy sector, Mr. Shah has contributed significantly to strengthening India's dairy infrastructure and fostering innovation for rural empowerment. He led the National Dairy Plan, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing milk productivity and ensuring livelihood security for millions of dairy farmers across India. Under his leadership, NDDB launched initiatives like fodder development programs and technology-driven milk testing systems, significantly enhancing rural incomes and dairy sustainability.

Mr. Simon Wiebusch

Chief Executive Officer
Bayer CropScience Limited

Mumbai

Mr. Simon Wiebusch

President - South Asia, Bayer CropScience Limited, Mumbai. Mr. Wiebusch is a global leader in agri-business, focusing on advancing sustainable farming practices and innovative crop solutions across South Asia. Under his leadership, Bayer launched several digital farming tools that empowered smallholder farmers with better decision-making capabilities. He has been recognized internationally for his contributions to sustainable agriculture and innovation in crop sciences.

Mr. JP Meena, IAS (Retd.)

Former Secretary
Ministry of Food Processing Industries

New Delhi

Mr. JP Meena

Secretary General of the Indian Beverage Association, New Delhi. A retired IAS officer, Mr. Meena has extensive experience in policy-making, trade facilitation, and industry development. He played a significant role in strengthening agro-based industries and promoting export opportunities. Mr. Meena has received distinguished awards for his leadership in agricultural trade.

Mr. RK Tiwari, IAS (Retd.)

Former Chief Secretary
Government of Uttar Pradesh

Noida

Mr. RK Tiwari

Chairman of GGPC and Former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Noida. Mr. Tiwari has a long-standing career in governance, focusing on state development and policy reforms. He led major initiatives in infrastructure and rural development, improving public administration efficiency. His contributions have been recognized with state leadership excellence awards.

Dr. HK Bhanwala
Chairman, MCX India Ltd. and Former Chairman, NABARD

Mumbai

Dr. HK Bhanwala

Chairman, MCX India Limited and Former Chairman, NABARD. Dr. Bhanwala holds a Ph.D. in Management and has vast experience in rural finance and agricultural credit. He played a key role in fostering financial inclusion and market linkages for farmers, ensuring greater accessibility to credit and cooperative development.

Amb. (Retd.) C. Rajasekhar

Ministry of External Affairs
Government of India

Hyderabad

Ambassador C. Rajasekhar

Ambassador C. Rajasekhar is a seasoned diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service (1990 batch) with over three decades of distinguished service. He served as the Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), where he spearheaded initiatives to promote India's cultural diplomacy globally. With expertise in East Asia, he has held key postings in Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia and served as India's Ambassador to Cuba, with concurrent accreditation to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Ambassador Rajasekhar holds a gold medalin Law and has a strong academic background in Commerce and Personnel Management. Fluentin Japanese, he has been instrumental in fostering bilateral ties and cultural exchanges in the region. Currently, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the States Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, he plays a pivotal role in strengthening international partnerships for Indian states and Union Territories. His career reflects a deep commitment to enhancing India's global footprint through diplomacy, cultural collaboration, and regional engagement.

Mr. Atul Chaturvedi

Executive Chairman
Shree Renuka Sugars Limited

Mumbai

Mr. Atul Chaturvedi

Dr. K.S. Narayanaswamy is a leader in India’s agricultural and seed industry. He is the Chairman of the Karnataka State Agriculture Council, ICFA, and has been President of the Bangalore Management Association (BMA) and Karnataka State Seed Producers and Marketers Association (KSPMA). He chaired the Restructuring Committee of the National Seed Corporation, GoI, and is a Director at Bionest AIC UASB.

As a leader in organizations like NSAI, ITC Zeneca, Advanta Seeds, Limagrain he has advanced hybrid seeds, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights while protecting farmers’ interests.

Mr. Raman Mittal

Joint Managing Director
International Tractors Limited

Noida

Mr. Raman Mittal

Mr. Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Limited (ITL), is a passionate entrepreneur who balances innovation drive for dynamic growth and expansion with a strong foundation nested in values. During the two decades long professional journey, he has led the organisation with a purpose - to offer the best-in-class solutions to the end customers at the most effective costs. His exemplary contributions to the agricultural sector have been recognised widely, with him being honoured as a ‘Champion of Change' by Niti Aayog, Government of India and as 'Inspiring Business Leader' by The Economic Times.

Mr. Mittal's visionary leadership perfectly blends people-centric focus along with organisational growth, while creating new records in the tractor industry. He has played instrumental role in steering the company to become the 3rd largest tractor company in India. Mr. Mittal also spearheaded setting up of the World's biggest integrated tractor manufacturing plant by in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, which rolls out a new tractor in every 2 minutes.

Dr. Vibha Dhawan

Director General
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

New Delhi

Dr. Vibha Dhawan

Director General of The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi. Dr. Dhawan holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and is a recognized leader in sustainability. She has led groundbreaking research on climate solutions, agriculture, and energy systems, driving policies and practices that promote environmental stewardship.

Mr. Bahadur Ali

Founder & Managing Director

Raipur

Mr. Bahadur Ali

Chairman of IB Group, Raipur. A pioneer in India's poultry and agri-business sector, Mr. Ali has contributed to transforming the poultry value chain with innovation and enterprise. Under his leadership, IB Group became a key player in sustainable poultry production and rural employment. He has received accolades for his contributions to the agri-business sector.

Mr. Ashish Khandelwal

Managing Director
BL Agro Industries Limited

Bareilly

Mr. Ashish Khandelwal

Managing Director of BL Agro Industries Ltd, Bareilly. Mr. Khandelwal is an industry leader in edible oil and food processing, with a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and farmer-centric practices. Under his guidance, BL Agro has emerged as a trusted name, expanding its product portfolio and strengthening rural supply chains. He has been instrumental in promoting sustainable food processing practices and empowering farmers by ensuring fair pricing and reliable market opportunities.

Mr. TR Kesavan

Director and Group President
Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE)

Chennai

Mr. TR Kesavan

Director and Group President at TAFE Limited, Chennai. Mr. Kesavan holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has decades of experience in agricultural mechanization. He has led innovations in farm machinery, introducing technology-driven solutions to improve farm productivity and reduce manual labor. Under his guidance, TAFE has expanded its global presence and focused on empowering small and marginal farmers.

Mr. SC Mehta

Chairman & Managing Director
Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corp. Limited (DFPCL)

Pune

Mr. Sailesh C. Mehta

Managing Director of Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Limited, Pune. Mr. Mehta holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and has decades of experience in the agri-input industry. He has been instrumental in driving advancements in fertilizer production, focusing on enhancing soil health and improving crop yields. Under his leadership, Deepak Fertilisers has introduced innovative, eco-friendly products and expanded its reach to benefit farmers across India, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. S. Glory Swarupa

Former Director General
National Institute for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME)

Hyderabad

Dr. S. Glory Swarupa

Dr. S. Glory Swarupa is a seasoned professional in entrepreneurship and skill development, boasting over 24 years of experience. She earned her Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship & Skill Development from India's first pure Skills University and is an alumna of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal. Throughout her career, Dr. Swarupa has collaborated with various Union Ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. As the Director General of ni-msme, she has been pivotal in advancing MSME growth, skill development, and entrepreneurship across India.

Mr. Tarun Sawhney

Vice Chairman & Managing Director
Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited

Noida

Mr. Tarun Sawhney

Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited, Noida. Mr. Sawhney holds an MBA from a leading global university and has vast experience in the sugar and power sectors. He has led initiatives in renewable energy, industrial excellence, and sustainable production. He is also driving Triveni's innovation in bioenergy and green technologies.

Mr. Ajit Jain

Joint Managing Director
Jain Irrigation Systems Limited

Jalgaon

Mr. Ajit Jain

Managing Director of Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, Jalgaon. Mr. Jain holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering and has been instrumental in revolutionizing micro-irrigation systems. Through his leadership, Jain Irrigation has introduced precision agriculture practices, empowering farmers to enhance productivity and conserve water.

Dr. HS Oberoi

Director, National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)

Sonipat

Dr. HS Oberoi

Director of the National Institute of Food Technology & Management, Bangalore. Dr. Oberoi holds a Ph.D. in Food Technology and has led research in food processing innovations. His efforts have advanced food safety, quality control, and industry-academic collaboration. He has also worked on developing new processing technologies to reduce food wastage.

Mr. Jayen Mehta

Managing Director
Amul Limited

Anand

Mr. Jayen Mehta

Managing Director of AMUL Limited, Anand. Mr. Mehta holds a degree in Dairy Technology and an MBA in Business Management. With over three decades of experience in the dairy and food industry, he has played a pivotal role in AMUL’s growth as one of the largest dairy cooperatives globally. Under his leadership, AMUL has significantly expanded its product portfolio, strengthened supply chain infrastructure, and promoted farmer-centric initiatives that benefit millions of dairy farmers. His efforts include fostering innovation, ensuring sustainable growth, and enhancing AMUL’s market reach, both domestically and internationally. A strong advocate for cooperative governance, he remains committed to improving farmer incomes, modernizing dairy operations, and driving inclusive growth in the sector.

Mr. PPS Pangli

President, Borlaug Farmers Association for South Asia

Ludhiana

Mr. PPS Pangli

President of the Borlaug Farmers Association for South Asia, Ludhiana. Mr. Pangli holds a degree in Agriculture and is a prominent agricultural leader known for his commitment to farmer welfare and sustainable agriculture. With extensive experience in promoting innovative farming techniques, he has been a key advocate for the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and practices. Under his leadership, the Borlaug Farmers Association has spearheaded initiatives to improve farmer training, enhance productivity, and create better market access for small and marginal farmers. Mr. Pangli is also recognized for his efforts to bridge the gap between farmers and policy-making, ensuring the voice of the agricultural community is heard in key decisions.

Dr. Balvinder Shukla

Vice Chancellor, Amity University
Amity University

Noida

Dr. Balvinder Shukla

Vice Chancellor of Amity University, Noida. Dr. Shukla holds a Ph.D. in Management and has been a leader in education and research. She has fostered academic excellence, bridging industry and academia to promote innovation and leadership. Under her leadership, Amity University has launched programs focusing on sustainable development and industry partnerships.

Mr. Arun Raste

Managing Director & CEO
National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX)

Mumbai

Mr. Arun Raste

Managing Director of NCDEX Limited, Mumbai. Mr. Raste holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has over two decades of experience in commodity markets and agri-trade. He has played a critical role in enhancing transparency and efficiency in agricultural trading through digital platforms, benefiting farmers and stakeholders alike. Under his leadership, NCDEX has strengthened market linkages, improved price discovery mechanisms, and provided better access to national and global markets for agricultural producers.

Mr. Juzar S. Khorakiwala

Chairman and Managing Director
Biostadt India Limited

Mumbai

Mr. Juzar S. Khorakiwala

Mr. Juzar Khorakiwala, Chairman & Managing Director of Biostadt India Limited. He established Biostadt India Limited in 2003. In addition to his business roles, he chairs Akbarallys Men, a modern men's retail venture in Mumbai. He also served as the Past President of IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (2021-2022) and currently leads Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI), which is dedicated to bio-pesticides and biostimulants.

Ms. Sandeepa Kanitkar

Managing Director
Kan Biosys Private Limited

Pune

Ms. Sandeepa Kanitkar

With over 30 years in industrial microbiology, she has revolutionized biofertilization, earning a United Nations WIPO Gold Medal for her patented liquid biofertilizer technologies. Passionate about soil health, she emphasizes the role of carbon and microbes in sustainable farming. A serial entrepreneur, Sandeepa also co-founded Argetta Solutions for agricultural digitization and leads the Kan Biosys Research and Education Foundation. As Vice Chairman of BASAI, she advocates for biologics in agriculture. Her leadership extends to policy-making, having served on key government tasks. Recognized with accolades including the CII Agri MSME Award (2021) and Ramabai Joshi Award (2007), she continues to drive innovation in agricultural biotechnology.

Dr. Purvi Mehta

Global Council - World Food Prize
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Dr. Purvi Mehta

Accomplished international development, strategic leader with 27+ years of experience across Asia, Africa, and North America, specializing in agriculture, climate change, governance and technology transfer. Dr. Mehta is recognized for designing scalable strategies, creating global partnerships, change management and leading return on investment centric impact. She has a proven track record of designing, managing and leading multi-sectoral, multi-national strategies and driving high-impact investments in agriculture

She has her formal education, up to PhD, from M.S. University, India, Tokyo University, Japan and North Carolina State University- USA and leverages her deep technical expertise in the field of agriculture, climate and digital technologies combined with vast networks with international finance agencies, policy organizations and private sector to drive large-scale collaborations and impact.

She served as the Senior Advisor for Global Growth at the Bill Gates Foundation until recently (May 2025). She also led and was one of the key architects of the Global climate strategy that includes setting up large scale collaborations with private sector and Multi-lateral Development banks (IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank).

Mr. Sanjeev Asthana

President
Solvent Extractors Association (SEA)

Mr. Sanjeev Asthana

Mr. Sanjeev Asthana is the CEO of Patanjali Foods Limited and President of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). With over three decades in the food and agriculture sector, he has held leadership roles at Reliance Retail, Cargill India, and ITC Global, driving large-scale agribusiness and retail operations in India and abroad. He has also contributed to national policy as Chairman of the Planning Commission’s Task Force on Physical Markets for the 12th Five-Year Plan.

Mr. Jayapal Reddy

Convenor
Telangana Farmers Association
Hyderabad

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy

S. Jayapal Reddy has been engaged in farming for over 40 years, with a distinguished track record in integrated, natural, and organic farming. He has received multiple prestigious recognitions, including the Best Farmer Award from Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, the Innovative Farmer Award from IARI–ICAR, New Delhi, and the Best Farmer Award presented by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

He has actively represented farmers at various national-level platforms and has been instrumental in establishing both state-level and national-level Federations of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and empowering farming communities across India.

Mr. KS Narayanaswamy

President, Seed Producers Association

Banglore

Mr. KS Narayanaswamy

Dr. K.S. Narayanaswamy is a leader in India’s agricultural and seed industry. He is the Chairman of the Karnataka State Agriculture Council, ICFA, and has been President of the Bangalore Management Association (BMA) and Karnataka State Seed Producers and Marketers Association (KSPMA). He chaired the Restructuring Committee of the National Seed Corporation, GoI, and is a Director at Bionest AIC UASB.

As a leader in organizations like NSAI, ITC Zeneca, Advanta Seeds, Limagrain he has advanced hybrid seeds, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights while protecting farmers’ interests.