Promotion of pulses, oilseeds and maize farming in Bihar
Digital Desk, Patna. In Bihar, farming is no longer just a means of subsistence but is also becoming a strong source of income and prosperity. In this direction, the state government is laying special emphasis on expanding the area of crops like pulses, oilseeds and maize. A glimpse of this new agricultural strategy was clearly visible in the discussion organized at Krishi Bhawan, Mithapur on Monday, where the message was given to the farmers to make the vacant fields a source of income.
Addressing the discussion, Principal Secretary of Agriculture Department, Pankaj Kumar said that Bihar has made remarkable achievements in the production of paddy and wheat in the last two decades.
Now the next goal is to increase the production of pulses and oilseeds, so that the income of farmers can increase and the agricultural economy of the state can become stronger. He said that the productivity of these crops can be increased through improved varieties of seeds and intensive farming.
Giving the example of Kosi region in particular, the Principal Secretary said that the production of maize here has increased rapidly and now it has emerged as a cash crop.
Establishment of maize related industries will not only provide better prices to the farmers but will also create employment opportunities on a large scale.
He appealed to the farmers to start cultivation of pulses, oilseeds and maize in the vacant fields and take advantage of the government schemes.
He said that under the Agricultural Irrigation Scheme, cheap electricity is being provided to the farmers, which will reduce the cost of irrigation and make farming more profitable. Now the time has come for farmers to move beyond traditional farming towards agro-based business.
On this occasion, Agriculture Director Saurabh Suman Yadav said that diversifying crops is the need of the hour. This will not only increase the income of farmers, but will also strengthen food security.
Special Director Virendra Prasad Yadav asked agricultural scientists to take concrete steps to increase production through advanced seeds and modern technologies.
During the technical sessions during the discussion, agricultural scientists told the farmers ways to produce more at less cost. A large number of farmers participated in the program and acquired information about new agricultural techniques and resolved to adopt them in their farming.
Overall, this initiative is considered an important step towards making farming a profitable business in Bihar.