Patna: The Bihar government has announced a major step to improve agricultural marketing in the state by building modern cold chain yards and upgrading existing markets. Two high-tech cold chain yards will be set up in Bihta and Musallahpur Haat in Patna, while 20 market committees across Bihar are being renovated. The aim is to make it easier for farmers to take their crops from farms to markets, reduce wastage, and ensure that they get fair prices for their produce.
Agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav shared this information at a workshop held at Krishi Bhawan on the challenges and reforms needed in agricultural marketing. He said that many farmers in Bihar suffer heavy losses because they do not have proper storage facilities for fruits and vegetables. As a result, crops often spoil before they can be sold. The new cold chain yards will provide facilities for safe storage, packaging and handling, which will help farmers keep their produce fresh for a longer time.
The government believes that these cold chain yards will also help Bihar’s farmers reach bigger markets. With better storage and packaging, fruits and vegetables grown in the state can be sent to other parts of the country and even exported abroad. This will not only reduce waste but also increase farmers’ income by giving them access to better prices and more buyers.
Along with the cold chain projects, the state is modernising 20 market committees to improve basic facilities. Renovation work in five markets has already been completed. These markets are being upgraded to provide better infrastructure, smoother trading and a more organised environment for buying and selling agricultural produce. Improved markets are expected to save farmers time and reduce their dependence on middlemen.
The government has said that ensuring fair prices for farmers is its top priority. Special focus is being given to storage, value addition, processing, export promotion and the development of rural markets. Digital platforms such as e-NAM are also being used to bring more transparency to agricultural trade. Officials say that by building a strong and organised marketing system, agriculture in Bihar can become more profitable and secure for farmers in the long run.
