Muzaffarpur: Farmers in the Saraiya block of Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district are gradually shifting away from traditional farming methods and adopting modern agricultural practices. By using Israeli mulching technology, many farmers are increasing their income by 30 to 40 percent while reducing cultivation costs.
The technique is gaining popularity in areas such as Basaitha, Bakhra, Raghunathpur and the Gandak Diara region of Saraiya, where farmers have started cultivating crops like capsicum, cucumber, tomato and kakdi on a large scale.
Progressive farmer Ram Iqbal Bhagat from Govindpur learned the mulching technique in West Bengal and has since adopted it extensively. He is currently cultivating vegetables on nearly 30 acres of leased land. His produce is being supplied to major markets in Muzaffarpur, Chhapra and Patna.
Similarly, Bhagya Narayan Sahni from Bakhra has switched to mulching-based vegetable cultivation after leaving his family’s traditional fish farming business. According to him, the change has significantly improved his financial condition.
Agricultural experts say the technology can be highly beneficial for farmers in Bihar. Avinash Kumar and Dr. K.K. Singh said the mulching technique helps conserve water because it uses drip irrigation, which requires far less water than conventional methods. They also noted that farmers can receive government subsidies to adopt the system, making it more affordable.
Mulching technology involves preparing raised soil beds that are covered with a plastic sheet of around 25 to 30 microns thickness. Small holes are made in the sheet at fixed intervals, where saplings are planted. The plastic cover prevents sunlight from reaching weeds, stopping them from growing and helping the main crops grow more efficiently.
With rising awareness about modern farming techniques and government support, more farmers in the region are expected to adopt mulching technology in the coming years, potentially boosting agricultural productivity and income.
