The eastern Indian state of Bihar is set to benefit significantly from new agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes. Among the key initiatives announced are the formation of a Makhana Board, financial assistance for the Western Koshi Canal Project, and the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management.
Additionally, for the northeastern region, the central government has detailed plans to construct a urea plant in Assam with an annual production capacity of 1.27 million metric tonnes.
During her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed optimism about the increasing awareness among citizens regarding their nutritional needs, indicating a shift towards a healthier society. She noted that as income levels rise, there is a marked increase in the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and traditional grains. The government plans to launch a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing production, improving supply chains, ensuring processing efficiency, and securing better prices for farmers, in collaboration with various states. This initiative will also involve establishing institutional frameworks to facilitate participation from farmer producer organizations and cooperatives.
Sitharaman emphasized the special opportunity that lies ahead for the people of Bihar with the upcoming Makhana Board, which aims to boost the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana. Farmers involved in these sectors will be organized into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The board will offer training and support to makhana farmers, ensuring they benefit from all relevant government initiatives.
Furthermore, the government will launch a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management in Bihar to enhance food processing activities across the eastern region. This institute aims to increase farmers’ income through value-added processes and will also create skill development, entrepreneurial, and employment opportunities for the youth.
The Centre will provide financial support for the Western Koshi Canal Project, which is expected to assist numerous farmers on over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal area of Bihar.
In an effort to achieve self-sufficiency in urea production, the government has also announced the revival of three dormant urea plants in the Eastern region. To further boost urea availability, a new plant with a production capacity of 1.27 million metric tonnes will be constructed in Namrup, Assam.
