Agriculture’s Economic Role and Growth

• Agriculture continues to be the mainstay for over 75% of Bihar’s population.
• Under the Fourth Agriculture Roadmap (2023–28), the state is focusing on mechanisation, sustainability, and market integration.
• Growth rates in 2022–23 (as per quick estimates):
  • Crops: 6.7%
  • Fisheries: 11.1%
  • Livestock: 2.7%

Land Use and Cropping Patterns

• More than 50% of the state’s land is under cultivation.
• Buxar and Bhojpur have the highest land under cultivation.
• Supaul and Jehanabad recorded the highest cropping intensity.
• Major crops:
  • Kharif: Rice, Maize
  • Rabi: Wheat
• Maize production has grown by over 65% in 3 years.
• Jute is gaining importance in select districts.

Horticulture and Floriculture

• Bihar is a major producer of:
  • Mango, Litchi, Banana, Guava, Makhana
• Supported schemes include:
  • Makhana Development Scheme
  • Betel Leaf Support Scheme
• Marigold accounts for over 90% of the state’s flower production.

Livestock and Dairy Sector

• Promotion of indigenous breeds through:
  • Desi Gaupalan Protsahan Yojana
• Expansion of milk cooperatives in 7,000 villages is underway.
• New livestock insurance scheme introduced for financial safety.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Boost through:
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana – focuses on fish value chain.
  • Chaur Vikas Yojana – aims to utilize wetlands for aquaculture.

Organic and Sustainable Farming

• Key initiatives:
  • Jaivik Corridor Yojana – organic zones in all districts.
  • Jaivik Kheti Protsahan Yojana – promoting natural farming.
  • Dhaincha cultivation gets 90% subsidy on green manure seeds.
  • Gobar Gas Units and Hari Khad Programme promote biogas and organic fertilisers.

Institutional and Digital Interventions

• JEEViKA-led initiatives:
  • Women’s Farmer Producer Companies branded under Green Delights.
  • Custom Hiring Centres and Tool Banks for equipment access.
  • Training youth as agri-entrepreneurs.
• Digital platforms launched:
  • BIHAN App – real-time monitoring of schemes.
  • Mukhyamantri Harit Krishi Sanyantra Yojana – for machine subsidies.
  • Single Window Portal – one-stop access to agri-services.

Irrigation and Water Infrastructure

• Large-scale infrastructure under execution:
  • Eastern Gandak Canal System – boosting canal irrigation.
  • Ganga Water Supply Scheme – drawing water from Ganga to dry zones.
  • Nikrish Pump Canal Scheme – pumping-based irrigation in low-lying areas.
• Revival of state tubewells and support for private irrigation systems are ongoing.

Schemes mentioned in Chapter-3