Patna, October 18, 2023 – In a momentous event held in Patna, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Fourth Krishi Road Map (2023-2028) of Bihar, underscoring the crucial role of agriculture in the state’s development.
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President Murmu emphasized the significance of agriculture in Bihar, stating that it is deeply ingrained in the state’s culture and forms the bedrock of its economy. Not only does agriculture and its allied sectors employ nearly half of the state’s workforce, but it also makes a substantial contribution to Bihar’s GDP. In this context, she commended the Government of Bihar for its ongoing implementation of the Agriculture Road Map, which has already yielded impressive results.
Under the guidance of the last three agricultural road maps, the state of Bihar has witnessed a nearly twofold increase in the productivity of crops like paddy, wheat, and maize. Furthermore, Bihar has emerged as a leading producer of products such as mushrooms, honey, makhana, and fish, showcasing the state’s tremendous agricultural potential. President Murmu praised the launch of the Fourth Agriculture Road Map as a pivotal step toward building on these achievements.
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The President celebrated the spirit of Bihar’s farmers, known for their willingness to experiment with new farming techniques. She pointed out that their dedication is so noteworthy that a Nobel Prize-winning economist once hailed the farmers of Nalanda as “greater than scientists.” President Murmu was pleased to observe that, even as modern farming methods are embraced, Bihar’s farmers continue to preserve their traditional farming practices and diverse grain varieties, exemplifying a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
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Encouraging Bihar’s farmers to tap into the growing demand for organic products, the President lauded organic farming for its potential to reduce agricultural costs, contribute to environmental conservation, bolster farmers’ incomes, and provide nutritious food to the people. She commended the Government of Bihar for creating an organic corridor along the Ganga’s banks to promote organic farming.
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Addressing the pressing issue of climate change and global warming, President Murmu stressed that these challenges disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, including the people of Bihar, which has faced declining rainfall in recent years. She called for urgent attention to water conservation to preserve Bihar’s identity as a water-rich state. She emphasized the importance of Climate Resilient Agriculture, which can help mitigate the impact of climate change by altering farming practices, promoting biodiversity, reducing water resource exploitation, conserving soil fertility, and ensuring food security.
The President also highlighted a significant step taken by Bihar – the production of ethanol from maize, a key crop in the state. This development not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to environmental protection and enhances the country’s energy security.
President Murmu concluded her address by emphasizing the vital role that Bihar plays in realizing the dream of a developed India. To transform this vision into reality, she called for a departure from narrow-mindedness and a commitment to holistic development. She encouraged policymakers and the people of Bihar to set a roadmap for progress across various parameters, including health, education, per capita income, and the Happiness Index. She expressed her hope that Bihar would continue on the path of progress and development, much like its agriculture roadmap, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
