Dr. Sharan Pandey Appointed Managing Director of Dairy Development Corporation

Dr. Sharan Pandey, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC). Pandey has outlined plans to clear outstanding payments totalling 500 million Nepalese Rupees to farmers within three months. He has committed to transforming the corporation into a deficit-free, farmer- and consumer-friendly institution. (April 30, Kathmandu)

Following a ministerial decision by Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary, Pandey assumed office at the DDC central office on Thursday. After taking charge, the newly appointed Managing Director emphasized that addressing farmers’ pending payments is his top priority. He stated, ‘My foremost focus is to settle the outstanding amounts owed to farmers. I plan to clear all arrears within three months and establish a system whereby farmers receive payments within 10 to 15 days after milk procurement in the future.’

Alongside Pandey’s appointment, changes have been made within the DDC’s staffing structure. Sanjiv Jha, who initially served as acting Managing Director, has reportedly reverted to his previous eighth-tier position within the corporation. Additionally, Rajendra Adhikari, formerly associated with the ministry, has been reinstated as the Deputy Managing Director (DGM) of the corporation. Pandey, who also heads the Livestock and Fisheries Development Division at the ministry, has pledged to expand sales centers and enhance product quality to bolster consumer confidence. He reaffirmed his commitment to freeing the corporation from financial losses while making it more responsive to the needs of both farmers and consumers.