Bihar’s makhana, Katarni rice, Magahi paan, and other agricultural products are experiencing high demand both within India and internationally. On August 23, 2024, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, engaged with farmers at the Agriculture Bhawan in Patna. During the event, Shri Chouhan, along with Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey, planted a Shahi Litchi sapling in the Agriculture Bhawan premises. Shri Chouhan underscored that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and farmers are its soul.
Progress through Bihar’s Fourth Agriculture Roadmap:
Bihar’s makhana, Magahi paan, maize, Katarni rice, and tea are renowned for their quality. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that 90% of Bihar’s farmers work on small landholdings but achieve remarkable results. Since 2008, Bihar has been executing Agricultural Roadmaps to harness the sector’s vast potential. Three roadmaps have been completed, and the fourth Agriculture Roadmap (2023-28) is currently being implemented. This roadmap has led to substantial increases in the production and productivity of horticultural crops. Shri Chouhan praised the farmers, noting that Bihar’s agricultural talent is exceptional on a global scale and the state’s makhana is ready for export.
Agriculture Minister’s Six-Point Strategy:
- To enhance yield, high-quality seeds for water-efficient paddy, short-duration millet, and climate-resilient crops are being supplied directly to farmers.
- Production costs are being reduced through affordable loans provided via the Kisan Credit Card scheme, aiming to boost profitability.
- Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 23 crops have been established to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
- Bihar has seen an increase in maize and coarse grain production. The establishment of ethanol plants in several districts is also advancing biofuel production.
- There are significant opportunities for setting up agriculture-based processing units and storage facilities in the state.
- To combat soil fertility decline due to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, there is a strong emphasis on promoting natural farming practices to ensure fertile soil for future generations.
Focus on Quality Seeds for Bihar’s Farmers: Most farmers in Bihar rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Initiatives are underway to establish food processing industries in the state, which will enhance farmers’ prosperity. The Union Minister has assured that a meeting will soon be held in Bihar to address all demands related to quality seeds. This meeting will include representatives from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the two agricultural universities in Bihar, seed companies, and relevant departmental officials.
