Patna, 18th October 2023: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended his congratulations to President Draupadi Murmu, for the launch of the Fourth Agricultural Road Map of Bihar (2023-2028). He expressed his delight at the President’s acceptance of their request and conveyed his gratitude for her presence at the program.
He emphasized the historical significance of Bihar, the birthplace of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and highlighted the importance of commencing the Fourth Agricultural Road Map. He recounted the initiation of the first agricultural road map in 2008, followed by the second and third road maps inaugurated by Presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Ramnath Kovind, respectively.
Chief Minister Kumar underscored the substantial benefits that farmers in Bihar have reaped from previous agricultural road maps, such as increased production and productivity of paddy, maize, wheat, and potatoes. Notably, Bihar surpassed China in paddy production per hectare in 2011-12, a significant achievement. Moreover, the second agricultural road map, spanning from 2012 to 2017, contributed to substantial growth in the production of fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and fish.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the third agricultural road map, originally scheduled from 2017 to 2022, was extended to 2023 to ensure the completion of remaining tasks and the expansion of agricultural activities. He emphasized the launch of the Fourth Agricultural Road Map to expedite agricultural work for the benefit of farmers, adding that their input was sought before its commencement. Bihar has achieved self-sufficiency in fish production, received five Krishi Karman Awards for the production of rice, wheat, and corn, and witnessed a notable increase in the production of vegetables, including potato, cabbage, brinjal, and tomato. Makhana production has also surged in Bihar.
Chief Minister Kumar recalled seeking guidance from renowned agricultural scientist Dr. Mangala Rai in 2008, during his tenure as the Agriculture Minister in the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Dr. Rai continues to serve as the Agriculture Advisor to the Chief Minister, making an invaluable contribution to the agricultural road map.
He emphasized that the Fourth Agricultural Road Map will not only focus on agriculture but also include provisions for animal welfare, with animal hospitals being established in 8 to 10 panchayats in North Bihar. This will ensure that animals receive proper care and treatment. The Chaur region, covering nine lakh hectares of land and experiencing ample water availability for nine months a year, is the focus of a scheme under the agricultural road map. The successful implementation of this roadmap is expected to further increase farmers’ income.
The Chief Minister urged the Governor to actively monitor the progress of the agricultural road map and provide necessary instructions to the officers. He welcomed President Murmu to visit Bihar frequently, emphasizing her deep connection with the state. He also extended his felicitations to the farming community and highlighted the government’s commitment to achieve the goals outlined in the Fourth Agricultural Road Map, backed by a Cabinet approval of Rs 4.62 lakh crore. Agriculture serves as the primary source of livelihood for 75% of the state’s population, and the Fourth Agricultural Road Map aims to significantly boost production, productivity, and farmers’ income while benefiting the entire state.
