Patna: Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has directed officials to focus on tangible outcomes rather than procedural compliance while reviewing the implementation of plant protection and soil health schemes in the state.
Chairing a review meeting of the Plant Protection Division and the Soil Testing Laboratory at Krishi Bhawa, Sinha examined the progress of schemes related to pest management, drone-based spraying, soil health management and the strengthening of laboratory infrastructure.
Scientific Monitoring of Drone Spraying
During the meeting, Sinha said drone-based spraying of pesticides and liquid fertilisers has become an important component of modern agriculture. However, he stressed that stronger departmental coordination is necessary to ensure its effectiveness.
He directed officials to conduct regular inspections of drone spraying operations and establish a team of experts to scientifically assess the impact of such applications on crops and pest control.
The minister also instructed the department to document post-spraying outcomes through video recordings of beneficiary farmers and verify whether spraying activities were carried out in the designated areas.
“No mere formalities will suffice in the implementation of schemes. Results must be visible on the ground,” he said during the review.
Rs 1,982.60 Lakh Spent on Plant Protection Schemes
Officials informed the meeting that Rs 1,982.60 lakh was spent on plant protection-related schemes during the 2025–26 financial year.
These initiatives included drone-based spraying of pesticides and liquid fertilisers, pest management programmes for crops and orchards, input distribution schemes, plant protection advisory services, combined advisory and input support programmes, and aerial spraying projects implemented through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Sinha also directed the department to develop a grading system for pesticide retailers. Under the proposed system, shops would be assessed on product quality, farmer services and sales performance to help ensure the availability of quality agricultural inputs.
Focus on Soil Health and Laboratory Strengthening
Reviewing the performance of soil testing laboratories, the minister described soil health as the foundation of agricultural productivity.
According to officials, Rs 774.21 lakh was spent during 2025–26 under the state scheme for the operation and strengthening of soil testing, seed analysis and quality control laboratories.
Additionally, under the Centrally Sponsored Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Rs 5,062.84 lakh was utilised for the Soil Health and Fertility programme.
Minister to Conduct Village-Level Inspections
Sinha announced that he would personally visit villages to inspect soil testing processes, assess laboratory operations and review the benefits being delivered to farmers.
He directed departmental officials to work with commitment and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the maximum number of farmers, contributing to higher agricultural production and productivity across Bihar.
