Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday handed out appointment letters to 315 newly recruited block horticulture officers and launched the state’s Kharif Mahabhiyan 2025 campaign during a programme at Krishi Bhawan in Patna.
The event marked a significant push towards agricultural development under the state’s Fourth Agriculture Road Map. The new officers, appointed via the Bihar Public Service Commission, will oversee the rollout of horticulture schemes aimed at increasing farmers’ income and modernising farming practices.
Speaking at the event, the chief minister also inaugurated the construction of the Agricultural Engineering College in Ara, Bhojpur, remotely unveiling a plaque for the project, which will cost Rs 144.72 crore. The college is intended to offer BTech degrees in agricultural engineering and will provide a platform for research in climate-resilient farming, post-harvest management, and protected cultivation.
The chief minister laid the foundation stone for 62 new agriculture buildings at sub-divisional level, at a cost of Rs 55.26 crore. These centres are expected to provide one-stop services for farmers, including access to government schemes, technical guidance, and subsidies.
In a further digital push, Kumar launched the ‘Bihar Krishi’ mobile app, designed to give farmers access to services such as weather updates, soil testing, crop market prices, and scheme details. The app is part of a broader effort to digitise and decentralise agricultural information delivery.
Nitish Kumar also flagged off 20 promotional and seed vehicles as part of the Kharif Mahabhiyan 2025. These mobile units, fitted with audio-visual systems and LED displays, will travel across districts to raise awareness about seasonal agricultural programmes and modern practices.
Inspecting Krishi Bhawan during the event, Kumar called for the installation of solar panels on the building’s rooftop to meet its energy needs and emphasised maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability. “We have always prioritised farmers,” he said. “Our agricultural roadmaps have led to better productivity and income. We want Bihar to lead in agricultural progress.”
The programme was attended by deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, other cabinet ministers, senior officials, and newly appointed officers. A short film on Bihar’s agricultural roadmap and achievements was screened during the event. Kumar also planted a sapling in the Krishi Bhawan complex, underscoring the state’s commitment to green development.
