Patna: Bihar’s Agriculture Minister, Ram Kripal Yadav, has assured that no farmer will be denied access to agricultural schemes for failing to register under the state’s Farmer Registry. Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Yadav emphasised that the government’s priority is to safeguard farmers’ interests and expand their incomes.
“So far, 45 lakh farmers – or 52 per cent – have received IDs under the AgriStack scheme,” Yadav said, noting that camps for registration will continue across the state. Farmers can also apply online or at local Vasudha Kendras to obtain their IDs, which are required to access benefits from central and state government schemes.
The minister, accompanied by senior agriculture officials including Principal Secretary Saurabh Suman Yadav and Directors Abhishek Kumar and Shailendra Kumar, announced plans to visit districts after the Bihar Legislative Assembly session ends to meet farmers and address on-the-ground issues. Yadav also called for collaboration between agricultural entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovators to strengthen the sector.
Highlighting enforcement efforts, Yadav warned against black marketing of fertilisers. “We have constituted flying squads and carried out raids. As of February 17, 104 FIRs have been filed and 419 fertiliser shop licences cancelled,” he said.
Looking ahead, the state government aims to expand its agricultural infrastructure and production. Under the fourth Agriculture Roadmap, each district is expected to have at least one Bazar Samiti by 2028, with seven already inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Yadav also outlined plans to double the acreage of pulses and oilseeds within five years to reduce import dependence, alongside further increasing the productivity of rice, wheat, and maize. Since 2007-08, rice yields have risen from 12.37 to 29.70 quintals per hectare, while production grew to 99.34 lakh metric tonnes. Wheat and maize have seen similar gains, with wheat productivity reaching 33.44 quintals per hectare and maize 69.13 quintals per hectare in 2024-25.
“Over 90 per cent of our farmers are marginal or smallholders,” Yadav said. “With the support of the central government, we are committed to providing seeds, tools, fertilisers, and market access to improve their livelihoods and make agriculture a respected and profitable profession.”
