President Launches Bihar Agriculture Roadmap 2023-2028

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Fourth Bihar Agriculture Roadmap 2023-28 at a function held in Bapu Sabhagar, Patna. The Government of Bihar has been implementing the Agriculture Road Map since 2008.

About Bihar Agriculture Roadmap 2023-2028 

• The state's agriculture roadmap encompasses various innovative ideas, programs, and strategies to promote agricultural development in Bihar. 

• It aims to address the challenges posed by climate change and its adverse effects on agriculture, which is a key sector in the state. 
• The five-year blueprint for agriculture places special emphasis on climate-resilient farming and increasing the income of farmers through technological and scientific interventions. 
• During the event, the President also unveiled the Bihar Agriculture Roadmap and its plaque. The Agriculture Roadmap is a collaborative effort of the Agriculture Department and 11 other departments.
• During her speech, the President emphasized the severity of climate change and its potential to threaten humanity. She acknowledged that those who are most vulnerable to its effects are those who are poor and marginalized. 
• The President suggested that we can overcome the challenges posed by climate change by implementing resilient farming practices. Additionally, she urged farmers to consider adopting organic farming techniques and to modify their agricultural practices in order to combat the effects of climate change.
• The President praised the Bihar government for promoting maize-based ethanol production, which reduces fossil fuel dependency and benefits the environment and water conservation.

Facts about Bihar’s Agriculture

• Bihar has been classified in 3 agro-climatic zones : North-West Alluvial Plane ( Zone1), North-East Alluvial Plane ( Zone 2), and South Alluvial Plane (Zone 3).
• In 2021-22, agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors are estimated to contribute 26%, 15%, and 59% of Bihar’s economy, respectively (at current prices).
• Principal food crops are paddy, wheat, maize and pulses. Main cash crops are sugarcane, potato, tobacco, oilseeds, onion, chillies and jute. 
• Agriculture Minister of Bihar is Kumar Sarvajit.