Dr B. Maheswarappa Naveena has formally assumed charge as Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC) in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD). He took over the responsibility on 23 January 2026, succeeding Abhijit Mitra, Vice Chancellor of DUVASU.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the Indian dairy industry, as the sector focuses on sustainable dairy farming, productivity enhancement and science-based policymaking. Dr Naveena’s extensive research background and administrative experience are expected to add depth to dairy policy India and animal husbandry programmes at the national level.
Strong Academic Foundation and Global Exposure
Dr Naveena completed his B.V.Sc. & A.H. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in 1997. He went on to earn his M.V.Sc. (1999) and Ph.D. (2002) from the prestigious Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Further strengthening his global research credentials, he undertook a post-doctoral fellowship in 2008 at the University of Connecticut, USA, and later served as a Visiting Scientist in 2018 at Oklahoma State University, USA.
Distinguished Career at ICAR
Dr Naveena has spent over two decades at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad, holding several key scientific positions. He has served as Principal Scientist since 2017, after earlier roles as Senior Scientist (2011–2017), Scientist Senior Scale (2006–2011) and Scientist (2002–2006).
His research domain focuses on Livestock Products Technology, with special emphasis on the application of proteomics in meat quality and safety, lipid oxidation and natural antioxidants, and authentication of meat products. These areas are increasingly relevant as India strengthens food safety systems and value-added livestock products.
National and International Engagement
Beyond research, Dr Naveena has played an active role in national and international scientific platforms. He has served as National Contact Person for the International Congress of Meat Science & Technology (ICoMST), Finland, and is a Member of the National Academy of Sciences India since 2015.
He is also a Scientific Panel Member of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and a Member of the Electronic Working Group of CODEX India, contributing to food safety and regulatory frameworks.
Awards, Fellowships and Recognition
Dr Naveena’s contributions have been recognised through several prestigious honours, including the ICAR Lal Bahadur Shastri Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2013) and the British Poultry Science Young Scientist Travel Grant Award (2006).
He is a Fellow of the Indian Meat Science Association (2018) and the Indian Poultry Science Association (2017), and an Associate Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2014).
Strengthening India’s Animal Husbandry and Dairy Sector
With his appointment as Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr Naveena is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning research, policy and field-level implementation. Stakeholders across the dairy sector India anticipate a stronger focus on evidence-based policymaking, food safety, sustainable livestock systems and innovation-driven growth.
