Patna, (Bihar Times): Chief minister, Nitish Kumar, on
Saturday called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and
invited him to launch a massive agricultural plan
devised by the state government. He said that the
Prime Minister had agreed to visit the state.
Talking to newsmen in Delhi after the meeting he said
that Bihar had declared this year as an “Agriculture
Year”. He said that after consultations with
specialists in the field of agriculture, the state
government has launched a road map for it. In this
regard he sought full support from the Centre.
Nitish said that Bihar recognizes that for achieving
its own 11th Five Year Plan targets at an average of
8.5 per cent growth, agriculture must grow at higher
than national growth trends. He further informed that
following the findings of expert groups from ICAR,
Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa Institute etc a
a Kisan Panchayat was organized in Patna on February
17. About 2,000 progressive farmers attended it. “A
Road map for Agriculture and Allied Sector” was
prepared. According to it farm incomes can be doubled
with the gainful pursuit in horticulture, fisheries,
dairy, animal husbandry, cooperatives etc.
Nitish further said that agricultural productivity is
expected to increase: Rice from 14.86 quintal per
hectare to 27.92 quintal per hectare, Wheat from 25.55
quintal per hectare to 30.50 quintal per hectare and
maize from 26.71 quintal to 35.25 quintal per hectare.
A significant increase is expected in vegetable
production too.
According to the chief minister per capita annual
production has increased from Rs 661 in 2004-05 to Rs
1,061 at the end of the plan period.
Elaborating the key components of the agriculture, he
emphasized the need for a credible seed replacement,
transfer of technology and extension and marketing
support. He said that this would be extended to
horticultural activity, particularly in Mango, Leechi,
Guava, Banana and Sugarcane besides potatoes,
tomatoes, onion, brinjal, peas and drumstick.
The chief minister said that the implementation of
aforesaid schemes would require a financial outlay of
Rs 3,757 crores for the 11th plan and if it includes
plan for animal husbandry, dairy development,
fisheries, agricultural cooperatives and institutional
finance, then it would range up to Rs 6,134 crores.
Bihar chief minister further said that there was a
tremendous scope for agricultural growth in Bihar and
if looked after properly then the production could be
doubled.
The CM was accompanied by former chairman of State
Planning Board and Rajya Sabha MP, N K Singh, Resident
Commissioner, C K Mishra and Secretary to CM, R C P
Singh.
