Patna: The Bihar government has proposed a state-wide scheme to promote the use of plastic, jute, and agro-textile mulch in farming, aiming to enhance crop productivity, conserve water, and strengthen farmers’ income. Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha issued a statement endorsing the initiative, calling it a strategic step toward sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
Under the proposal, farmers would be eligible for a one-time subsidy of 50% on the unit cost of Rs 40,000 per hectare for adopting plastic mulch. The scheme is set to be implemented across all districts, pending approval and rollout by the government.
“Through mulch technology, moisture is retained in the soil, weed growth is suppressed, and fertility is preserved. It has proven to be particularly effective in the cultivation of vegetables, fruit trees and flowers,” said Sinha.
The Deputy CM emphasised that the state government is actively promoting modern agricultural practices to improve the economic condition of farmers while responding to the growing challenges of climate change. The mulch technique, he said, would help ensure continuity in crop production even during unpredictable weather cycles.
The scheme will also include technical training, field demonstrations, and awareness drives to familiarise farmers with mulching methods. “This is not only about raising yields but also about reducing water consumption and improving the overall quality of produce,” Sinha added.
Highlighting the broader vision, Sinha said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to a new green revolution in Bihar, one grounded in technological innovation and environmental responsibility. “This proposal is a significant step toward making the agriculture sector more resilient, sustainable and profitable. It holds the potential to transform Bihar into a leading state in agricultural innovation.”
