Patna: A quiet agricultural revolution is unfolding along the banks of the Ganges in Bihar. In 13 districts, organic farming is thriving under a state-backed initiative that’s not only changing how food is grown but also helping conserve one of India’s most sacred rivers.
Launched in 2020 by the Nitish Kumar-led state government, the Organic Corridor Scheme has turned thousands of acres into chemical-free farmland. Today, over 20,000 farmers are cultivating nearly 20,000 acres using organic methods across districts including Patna, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, and Munger. The aim: to promote sustainable agriculture while restoring the Ganges’ fragile ecosystem.
The corridor spans areas where farming once contributed significantly to river pollution. Now, reduced chemical runoff is improving water quality and biodiversity. “This is as much about clean food as it is about a clean river,” said a state agriculture official.
Under the scheme, farmers receive a subsidy of Rs. 11,500 per acre in the first year, followed by Rs. 6,500 per acre in the second and third years. The initiative organises farmers into clusters, encouraging collective organic practices and improving soil health.
Originally slated to run through 2023, the project has now been extended to 2025, following its success. Officials say the corridor represents a model of agricultural transformation—one that prioritises environmental integrity alongside economic gain.
