Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has directed officials to fast-track the construction of agricultural market premises across the state and called for an urgent assessment of crop losses caused by recent unseasonal rains.
In a high-level review meeting held on Thursday, Sinha, who also serves as the state’s agriculture minister, reviewed progress on the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation’s market yard projects. Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal and senior officials were present during the meeting.
The Corporation informed that works in Chandauti (Gaya) and Vaishali districts have been completed, while projects in East and West Champaran are expected to be finished by May 15.
Sinha said the revamped infrastructure would help actualise the Prime Minister’s ‘One Nation, One Market’ initiative by boosting price realisation and market access for farmers in Bihar. “These steps will not only raise farmers’ incomes but also improve their overall economic well-being,” he added.
The overhaul of Krishi Utpadan Bazar Samitis was first announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the 75th Independence Day in 2021. The upgraded markets will feature separate zones for grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish, alongside warehousing, cold storage, internal roads, drainage, electricity, water facilities, security, and gender-sensitive toilets.
Sinha also ordered the formation of monitoring teams to ensure the timely and transparent implementation of ongoing works. He specifically instructed that the process of shop allotment in market premises be carried out with full transparency.
Amid reports of crop damage due to recent thundershowers and strong winds, Sinha has directed all District Agriculture Officers to conduct on-ground assessments and submit their reports within 24 hours.
