New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector in Bihar. The decisions were unveiled during a high-level meeting with Bihar’s Agriculture Minister, Mangal Pandey, held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting, chaired by Union Minister Chouhan, culminated in several farmer-friendly decisions designed to boost agricultural productivity and support farmers in Bihar. A significant development is the decision to establish an APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) office at Krishi Bhawan in Bihar. This move is intended to increase the export potential of Bihar’s agricultural products and provide greater convenience to local farmers.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government is committed to the upliftment of farmers in Bihar. To support this initiative, the Union Agriculture Ministry will provide assistance for hybrid and advanced seeds. Additionally, in response to Bihar’s request for increased funding under the National Agriculture Development Scheme, immediate instructions were given to release the second installment of this scheme for the state.
Recognizing Bihar’s strong performance in agriculture, Chouhan directed the allocation of additional funds for the Krishonnati Yojana, a scheme designed to promote agricultural growth. He also emphasized the need to upgrade the Regional Maize Research and Seed Production Center of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Bihar to a state-of-the-art facility.
Chouhan outlined plans to support local farmers specializing in litchi and honey production, acknowledging Bihar’s reputation for these products. Furthermore, he provided guidelines for empowering the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRC Makhana), a key initiative expected to benefit the region’s farmers significantly.
Union Minister Chouhan reaffirmed the central government’s ongoing commitment to agriculture and farmers’ welfare under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. The new initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to supporting Bihar’s agricultural sector, enhancing production capabilities, and improving the overall welfare of its farming community.
