Patna: The Bihar government’s ‘Bihar Krishi’ mobile application has been awarded the Gold Medal in the ‘Information Technology Initiatives for Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment’ category at the prestigious ET Government DigiTech Awards 2025. The accolade was presented by The Economic Times at a ceremony in New Delhi on Monday.
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Secretary of Bihar’s Agriculture Department, accepted the award and highlighted the app’s role in modernising agricultural governance under the state’s Fourth Agriculture Road Map. The ‘Bihar Krishi’ app serves as a digital hub for farmers, offering a single-window interface for various government schemes, application tracking, and real-time agricultural insights.
Key Features of the Bihar Krishi App
Single-Window Access to Government Schemes
The app allows farmers to apply for various government schemes, track application status, and access approvals in a streamlined manner.
Farmer Passbook
A digital passbook feature provides farmers with a record of grants received under different schemes, akin to a bank passbook.
Plant Protection Advice
Detailed guidelines on pest and disease management for key crops, including paddy, wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds, are available. Farmers can also access advisories for horticultural crops such as mango, litchi, banana, and makhana.
Market Price Monitoring
The app provides real-time and historical data on crop prices, helping farmers make informed selling decisions.
Complaint Redressal Mechanism
Farmers can register and track complaints related to agricultural issues through an integrated grievance system.
Soil Health Card
The app enables farmers to download their Soil Health Card, which provides detailed soil analysis reports, aiding in informed decisions on crop selection, fertiliser use, and nutrient management.
Weather Forecasts
Real-time weather updates, including temperature, rainfall, and wind speed, help farmers optimise their farming practices and mitigate risks associated with natural disasters.
Latest Government Announcements
The app provides instant updates on new agricultural schemes and policies, ensuring farmers can take timely advantage of government initiatives.
Agriculture Government Directory
A comprehensive directory within the app provides contact details for market yards, cold storage facilities, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), allowing farmers to connect with relevant government departments.
Bihar Agriculture Radio
An integrated radio service offers audio updates on farming techniques, market trends, and government advisories.
Speaking at the event, Agarwal emphasised the app’s role in strengthening Bihar’s agricultural sector. “The Bihar Krishi app empowers farmers by providing essential information at their fingertips, improving productivity and streamlining access to government resources,” he said.
The award recognises Bihar’s efforts in leveraging digital technology to transform agriculture, enhance farmer welfare, and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
