1. Agricultural Production and Inputs

• In 2023–24, agricultural growth in Bihar remained strong, driven by favourable weather, input subsidies, and support schemes.
• Crop coverage:
  • Paddy: 14.72 lakh farmers adopted improved practices.
  • Vegetables: 10.78 lakh farmers.
  • Maize: 5.84 lakh farmers.
  • Kitchen gardens: 17.76 lakh households.
• Fertiliser Use:
  • 3867.1 thousand tonnes used in 2023–24 (25.3% increase over 2 years).
  • Urea forms 2/3 of total usage; Purnea reported highest NPK usage.
• Irrigation:
  • 64.1% of gross irrigated area covered via groundwater (wells, borewells).
  • 30.3% via canals and surface sources.

2. Agricultural Mechanisation and Support

• Mukhyamantri Harit Krishi Sanyantra Yojana:
  • Mobile app developed for farmers to access subsidised equipment.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
  • ₹120.83 crore given as input subsidy to 1.87 lakh beneficiaries.
  • ₹55.50 crore diesel subsidy transferred to 20.93 lakh farmers.

3. Agricultural Marketing and Cold Chain

• Bihar has invested in agricultural marketing infrastructure and cold storage.
• Strengthening rural haats and promoting Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
• Cold chain development is being linked with food processing and horticulture.

4. Horticulture and Floriculture

• Vegetable Development Scheme: Implemented in 23 districts with ₹13 crore in 2023–24.
• Flower Production:
  • 1350 ha land under marigold, total production: 12.8 thousand tonnes.
  • Marigold accounts for 96% of total flower output.
• Centres of Excellence:
  • Vegetables: Chandi (Nalanda)
  • Fruits: Desari (Vaishali)
• Subsidies:
  • 80% subsidy for micro-irrigation systems under PMKSY for small/marginal farmers.

5. Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries

• Livestock: Increased by 35.5% (2003–2019), Poultry: 18.3%.
• Dairy Production (2018–24):
  • Milk: 30.9% increase
  • Eggs: 95.1% increase
  • Fish: 45% increase
• Samagra Gavya Vikas Yojana:
  • ₹48.48 crore approved for dairy units of various sizes in 2024–25.

6. Institutional and Digital Reforms

• Agricultural Single Window: Streamlining farmer services.
• BIHAN App: Monitors crop targets, pest management, pesticide use, and market prices.

Conclusion

Bihar’s agriculture and allied sectors have demonstrated resilience, with rising productivity, expanded input support, and improved marketing infrastructure. The government’s focus on crop diversification, digital services, women farmers, and livestock development is playing a critical role in sustaining rural incomes and boosting food security.