70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly discuss Bihar’s agricultural dominance and challenges. Highlight challenges to Agricultural Productivity in Bihar. Discuss the path forward for Bihar’s agriculture and government initiatives. Conclude suitably..

Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of Bihar’s economy, engaging nearly 76% of the workforce and contributing over 20% to the state's Gross State Value Added (GSVA). Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once referred to agriculture as Bihar’s “core competence.” Despite its fertile soil, abundant water resources, and a favourable climate, the sector's productivity remains constrained due to several structural and systemic bottlenecks.

Body

Factors Hindering Agricultural Productivity in Bihar:

• High Population Pressure and Land Fragmentation:Bihar has the highest population density in India, resulting in heavily fragmented landholdings—most below 0.5 hectares.
  • This limits the viability of mechanized and commercial farming, leading to low economies of scale and inefficient cultivation practices.
• Weak Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure: After repealing the APMC Act in 2006, Bihar lacked regulated mandis.
  • Farmers face difficulties in price discovery, fair transactions, and access to distant markets.
  • The absence of structured market linkages discourages diversification into high-value crops.
• Soil Fertility Decline and Degradation: Unscientific farming practices, overuse of chemical fertilizers, and lack of soil health awareness have led to a decline in soil fertility.
  • Regions report increasing salinity and nutrient deficiency, directly impacting yields.
• Low Seed Replacement Rate: Despite government schemes, the usage of certified and high-yielding varieties remains limited.
  • Outdated seeds result in poor resistance to pests, lower productivity, and poor adaptation to climate variability.
• Inadequate Irrigation Access and Cost: Overdependence on diesel-powered irrigation and inadequate canal network results in high input costs and uncertain water supply, especially for marginal farmers.
  • This restricts cropping intensity and limits productivity in non-monsoon periods.
• Limited Access to Technology and Credit: Small and marginal farmers have limited exposure to modern tools, precision farming techniques, and agri-finance solutions.
  • This restricts their ability to upgrade practices and mitigate risks from weather and pests.

Strategic Measures to Overcome the Challenges:

• Improved Irrigation Access – Har Khet Tak Pani: The State government’s focus on expanding micro-irrigation, solar pump distribution, and canal rejuvenation under the Fourth Agricultural Roadmap (2023–28) aims to reduce input costs and enhance irrigation coverage.
• Promotion of Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adaptation to climate-resilient seed varieties and weather-smart practices is being emphasized to tackle erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.
• Strengthening Seed Distribution and Awareness: Seed replacement and subsidy schemes are crucial to improve access to high-yielding and certified varieties. Continuous farmer training is essential for adoption.
• Digital and Market Linkages: Partnerships with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are digitizing agricultural services. Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and investment in cold chains and storage infrastructure is vital.
• Focus on Allied Sectors: Integrated development of dairy, fisheries, and horticulture—where milk, egg, and fish production rose by 27.3%, 85.7%, and 45% respectively (2018–24)—offers income diversification and rural resilience.

Conclusion

Bihar’s agricultural potential remains immense, but unlocking it requires addressing fundamental challenges through targeted interventions. With sustained investments in irrigation, technology, seed quality, and market reforms under the Fourth Agriculture Road Map, Bihar can transition towards sustainable and remunerative agriculture, ensuring food security and improved rural livelihoods.