Emphasis on Maize Production for Ethanol in Bihar, Target of Planting 100 Percent Hybrid Seeds

• 28 Oct 2023

Why In News?

• According to the information given by the Bihar Agriculture Department on October 26, 2023, the state government has decided to increase the area of maize in the state to increase the production of ethanol. The government plans to focus on maize cultivation in all districts and plant 100 percent hybrid seeds.

Key Points:

• According to the Bihar Agriculture Department, the government plans to expand the area of maize cultivation in all 38 districts of the state. Maize is most commonly cultivated by farmers in the north and eastern plains.
• President Draupadi Murmu had recently launched Bihar's fourth agriculture roadmap (2023-2028) in Patna, with an emphasis on increasing ethanol. Maize can play a big role in increasing the production of ethanol.
• The Bihar government has set a target of planting hybrid maize 'hybrid' seeds with an aim to achieve maximum production in the Rabi season. In Rabi, 100 percent hybrid seeds of maize seeds are being planted. For this, initiatives are being taken to provide other facilities to the farmers in addition to subsidies on seeds.
• According to the Bihar Agriculture Department, this time a target has been set to cultivate maize in 1.50 lakh acres area in the state, in which a target of maize production will also be fixed up to about 12 thousand quintals.
• The Agriculture Department has also directed all Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agricultural Universities, Farmer Advisors and Agriculture Coordinators to make farmers aware.