As part of the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, interacted with farmers at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Piprakothi, East Champaran, Bihar. Earlier, he had engaged with farmers in Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Chouhan said agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy and farmers are its soul. “A developed India is not possible without prosperous farmers,” he added.
The Minister held a special interaction with litchi growers and took serious note of the issue of the fruit perishing within 48 hours of harvest. He instructed ICAR scientists to conduct research to extend the shelf life of litchis, ensuring better prices for farmers. He also stressed the need to expand cold storage infrastructure to prevent post-harvest losses.
Shri Chouhan highlighted the sharp rise in maize production in Bihar, crediting the Prime Minister’s effective policies. The launch of ethanol production has increased both the demand and price of maize. “Earlier, maize was sold for ₹1200–₹1500 per quintal. Today, not only has the price increased, but so has productivity—now reaching 50–60 quintals per hectare,” he noted.
Development of High-Yield, Water-Efficient Paddy Varieties: The Minister directed scientists to develop improved seed varieties for Basmati and other rice types. He announced the recent development of two new rice varieties that require 20% less water and provide up to 30% higher yields, marking a significant advancement in sustainable farming.
Boost to Horticulture and Nutrition Security: Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the government is committed to enhancing the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in Bihar. The goal is to ensure adequate nutrition for India’s 1.45 billion citizens. Shri Chouhan also warned of strict action against manufacturers of counterfeit pesticides, stating that no one involved in producing fake agrochemicals will be spared.
Scientists Bridging the Gap between Labs and Farms: Describing the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a mission to close the gap between research laboratories and farmlands, the Minister shared that 16,000 agricultural scientists are directly engaging with farmers in villages. He emphasized the need for a unified national agricultural approach under the slogan: “One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team.” The Minister also revealed that the government is exploring the global export potential of Bihar’s famous chidwa (flattened rice). He assured that every possible effort would be made to improve farmer incomes and transform Indian agriculture.
