New Delhi/Patna: Bihar agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has called for greater research and technological support for the state’s agriculture sector, with a particular focus on makhana, climate-resilient crops, seed production, natural farming and agricultural exports.
Sinha made the remarks while participating in the 97th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi alongside Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, ministers of state and agriculture ministers from other states.
Discussions at the meeting covered agricultural research, modern technology, natural farming, seed production, farmers’ incomes and greater participation of young people in agriculture.
Focus On Makhana Research
Sinha said Bihar’s agricultural potential could create new opportunities for employment and farmers’ incomes through scientific research, modern technology, processing and exports.
He highlighted the need for specialised ICAR research on improved makhana varieties, scientific cultivation techniques, mechanisation, value addition and export opportunities.
He called for closer coordination between research institutions, the central government and Bihar government to help the state’s distinctive agricultural products reach international markets.
The minister also said that more than 93% of paddy transplantation had been completed in Bihar despite low rainfall, with the state moving towards its agricultural targets.
Climate-Resilient Crops And Digital Agriculture
Sinha called for the development of short-duration and climate-resilient crop varieties suited to Bihar’s recurring challenges of floods and droughts.
He also emphasised taking digital agriculture technologies to small and marginal farmers and integrating young people and women farmers into modern agricultural practices.
The minister called for special grants to promote seed production and the use of natural fertilisers. He also advocated central and state support for chemical-free production of crops, vegetables, fruits, pulses and oilseeds through grants, training, market access and fair prices.
Youth And Small Farmers In Focus
Sinha said agriculture graduates and other trained young people should be given priority under schemes related to farming and agricultural entrepreneurship.
He said the Bihar government was working to integrate agriculture-educated youth into the sector and create opportunities for them in agri-business and allied activities.
The minister also stressed the role of cooperative societies in organising small and marginal farmers. Collective procurement of agricultural inputs and stronger production and marketing systems, he said, could help farmers access government schemes and improve their incomes.
He further called for better integration of rural development schemes with agriculture-based livelihoods and rural infrastructure.
New Campaign To Be Launched On August 20
Sinha announced the launch of the ‘Kisan Krishi, Mahila Udyam, Yuva Rozgar evam Shramik Utthan-sah-Jan Kalyan Samvad Abhiyan’ in Bihar.
The campaign will be inaugurated at BAMETI on August 20 by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. It will focus on dialogue around the welfare of farmers, women, youth and workers, as well as employment and entrepreneurship opportunities linked to agriculture.
Sinha said agricultural research and innovation must translate into practical benefits for farmers, with research outcomes reaching fields and contributing to higher productivity, incomes and living standards.
He said Bihar’s objective was to move beyond agricultural production towards processing, value addition, agricultural entrepreneurship and exports, while ensuring that modern technology and scientific research reach even the smallest farmers.
