Patna: The Bihar government has announced a series of digital and technological initiatives aimed at improving livestock management, fisheries, and agricultural transparency in the state.
Addressing a press conference at the Information Building on Friday, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Surendra Mehta said a new “Pashudhan App” will be used to monitor livestock vaccination across Bihar. The app will maintain real-time data on the number of animals vaccinated and their locations, ensuring better tracking and accountability.
The minister also announced that A+ grade semen will be developed at the Purnia Semen Bank to improve cattle breeding. Additionally, the state will promote In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) techniques to produce original breed livestock. Efforts are also being made to enhance cattle quality by providing protein-rich feed to improve breed and productivity.
Highlighting growth in the fisheries sector, Mehta said Bihar’s fish is now reaching international markets, with some varieties fetching prices between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,600 per kilogram. The government is preparing for large-scale exports.
To boost accessibility for consumers, “Fresh Catch Fish Outlets” will be launched by the end of this month in several municipal corporation areas, including Patna, on the lines of Sudha booths. These outlets will offer fresh and live fish to customers.
Department Secretary Tirhut Kapil Ashok stated that fish production in Bihar has reached around 9 lakh tonnes. He added that the state, which ranked ninth in fish production a decade ago, has now climbed to fourth position nationally.
In a separate development, Agriculture Minister Ramkripal Yadav launched a new feature on the agriculture app that will display real-time fertiliser stock at retail shops. With this, farmers will be able to check the availability of urea and DAP at nearby stores through their mobile phones.
Officials said the initiative will prevent shopkeepers from falsely claiming stock shortages and help curb black marketing. Bihar has become the first state in the country to introduce such a real-time fertiliser tracking system, aimed at improving transparency and ensuring timely access for farmers.
