Madan Prasad Pariyar, an expert in climate and agriculture, took charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development on Monday.

Born in Rajbiraj, Saptari, Pariyar has worked with dozens of national and international organisations.

Pariyar has long advocated for Dalit rights and social justice and currently serves as chairman of Samata Foundation. Established in 2009, the foundation works on research, policy discussions, human rights, and leadership development for Dalit and other minority communities.

In 2011, he chaired the High-level State Restructuring Suggestion Commission appointed by then prime minister Baburam Bhattarai when the Constituent Assembly was writing the constitution. The eight-member commission, comprising experts from diverse fields, submitted recommendations for state restructuring.

Pariyar also served as general manager of Udayapur Cement and Agricultural Tools Factory in Birgunj. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from India, and completed his master’s and PhD in engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.

His research spans climate adaptation, poverty alleviation, economic growth, inclusiveness, good governance, ICT, rural and agricultural development, industrial development, and resource management.

He has contributed extensively to government and non-government sectors. Pariyar has represented Nepal at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and has conducted studies focusing on agriculture, climate change, poverty alleviation, and economic development.