Bihar is solidifying its position as a leading vegetable-producing state in India, ranking fourth nationally. The 2024 Potato and Vegetable Campaign, inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey, aims to improve agricultural productivity, support farmers, and upgrade infrastructure across the state. With approximately 9.10 lakh hectares dedicated to vegetable cultivation, the state now produces around 175.63 lakh tons of vegetables annually, with an impressive yield rate of 19.30 tons per hectare. Here’s a deeper look at Bihar’s ambitious plans to elevate its agricultural landscape, including the strategic distribution of hybrid vegetable seedlings and the development of essential cold storage facilities.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Campaign
Bihar’s agriculture minister recently launched the campaign in Patna, with a ceremonial distribution of hybrid seedlings, including broccoli, bell pepper, tomato, cauliflower, and cabbage, for the upcoming Rabi season. This program represents a critical step in Bihar’s strategy to boost agricultural production, as the region continues to grow high-demand crops to meet local and national needs.
The state is home to approximately 3.29 lakh hectares of potato cultivation, producing around 87.90 lakh tons annually, with a productivity rate of 26.71 tons per hectare. Among the most promising developments in Bihar’s potato sector is the targeted cultivation of the Kufri Chipsona-1 variety, a processing-friendly potato ideal for chips and other products. Bihar has designated seven key districts—Aurangabad, Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Saran, Samastipur, and Vaishali—for this initiative, with a cultivation target of 150 hectares. This strategy aligns with Bihar’s goal to strengthen its presence in value-added potato processing.
Cold Storage Expansion for Improved Shelf Life
Cold storage is a vital part of Bihar’s agricultural infrastructure, especially given the state’s significant vegetable production. Currently, Bihar has 202 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of about 12.3 lakh tons. However, the need for additional cold storage remains critical, as 12 districts currently lack these facilities. As part of the new campaign, the government has outlined plans to establish new Type-1 cold storage units for potatoes and Type-2 units for fruits and vegetables, providing a 50% subsidy to encourage private and community investment. This move is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize prices for local farmers.
Enhanced Seed Distribution and Financial Backing
The campaign also includes an extensive distribution of breeder seeds to farmers, with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) providing 200 quintals of the Kufri Pukhraj variety for the 2024-2025 financial year. For the following year, 2025-2026, the state has secured an agreement to receive an increased supply of 1,470 quintals of breeder seeds. This support, combined with cold storage expansion, is expected to help Bihar farmers capitalize on enhanced productivity while addressing challenges associated with perishability and transportation.
Supporting Farmers and Improving Market Access
During the campaign’s launch, Agricultural Secretary Sanjay Agrawal provided key insights to farmers from 14 districts about methods for boosting productivity and making the most of new facilities. With these investments, Bihar is not only bolstering its agriculture but also paving the way for better access to national markets, enabling farmers to reach wider audiences with a steady supply of high-quality vegetables year-round.
The 2024 Potato and Vegetable Campaign showcases Bihar’s commitment to improving its agricultural output and supporting farmers through modern infrastructure and enhanced crop management practices. With hybrid seeds, the introduction of value-added potato varieties, and expanded cold storage, Bihar is laying the groundwork to optimize its vegetable production and establish itself as a significant agricultural hub. The success of these initiatives could serve as a model for other states aiming to achieve high productivity and enhanced income for local farmer.
