Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to establish modern vegetable centres in all 534 blocks across the state, in a move aimed at improving storage, marketing, and income opportunities for local farmers. Each centre, spread over 10,000 square feet, is expected to cost between Rs 96 lakh and Rs 1 crore. Officials say the project is slated for completion within the next two years.
The centres will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including 10-ton capacity cold storage units, 20-ton warehouses, collection centres, and dedicated sheds for sorting and packaging vegetables. The Agriculture Department will provide the land required for these developments, while the Cooperation Department will oversee construction and operations.
Following the block-level model, similar centres are also planned for all Panchayats. A departmental proposal has been prepared and is expected to be reviewed by the state cabinet soon.
The initiative also emphasises organic vegetable production, with the departments considering subsidies to encourage farmers to adopt organic methods. Bihar has already begun exploring international markets: last month, a consignment of organic vegetables was exported from Bihta Airport to Bangkok, Thailand, and Dubai.
Officials hope that the new infrastructure will not only improve storage and reduce post-harvest losses but also provide farmers with greater market access, both domestically and abroad.
