Patna: The Bihar government has initiated a plan to establish “Progeny Garden” nurseries in every district as part of a wider effort to strengthen government-run nurseries and expand the state’s horticulture sector.
The initiative aims to provide farmers with certified, disease-free and high-quality mother plants and saplings. Officials said the programme is expected to improve farmers’ incomes while encouraging the cultivation of high-value horticultural crops.
Abhishek Kumar, Director of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Mission Director, has written to all District Magistrates and Deputy Development Commissioners, requesting the allocation of at least 10 acres of land in each district for the project.
Modern Infrastructure Planned
According to the department, the nurseries will be developed as integrated “Centres of Excellence” equipped with modern infrastructure, including shade nets, drip irrigation systems and sprinklers.
Officials said additional land is required in several districts to ensure the local production and distribution of quality planting material. The government has directed district authorities to complete the land selection process on a priority basis and submit reports to the Department of Agriculture.
The department has asked districts to prioritise land owned by Zila Parishads for the project. Alternative land options may be explored where such land is unavailable.
Focus On Certified Planting Material
Officials said the proposed Progeny Garden nurseries will function as specialised mother-tree orchards within government or commercial nurseries.
These nurseries will cultivate certified and premium-quality mother plants, which will then be used to produce superior saplings for farmers across the state.
The department said the initiative is intended to improve access to reliable planting material while creating employment and income-generation opportunities for local farmers.
Dragon Fruit And Exotic Crops Included
Alongside traditional fruit crops, the nurseries will also cultivate advanced and high-value varieties such as dragon fruit, strawberries, medicinal plants and exotic flowers.
Officials said farmers will receive training in the cultivation of these crops so they can adopt commercial horticulture practices and diversify their sources of income.
The state government expects the programme to support long-term growth in Bihar’s horticulture sector and encourage the adoption of modern farming methods.
