The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the fourth Krishi Road Map (2023-2028) for the state of Bihar on October 18, 2023, in an event held in Patna. During her address, President Murmu emphasized the significance of agriculture in the cultural and economic landscape of Bihar.
Agriculture and its allied sectors form the backbone of Bihar's economy, employing nearly half of the state's workforce and contributing substantially to its GDP. She commended the Government of Bihar for its continued commitment to the agricultural sector through the implementation of the Agriculture Road Map since 2008. Under the last three road maps, the state witnessed significant gains, with the productivity of key crops like paddy, wheat, and maize nearly doubling.
Additionally, Bihar has emerged as a leading producer of items such as mushrooms, honey, makhana, and fish, bolstering its agricultural prowess. President Murmu hailed the launch of the fourth Agriculture Road Map as a crucial step towards further enhancing agricultural development in the state.
The President acknowledged the remarkable resilience and innovation exhibited by Bihar's farmers, characterizing them as individuals who continually experiment and adapt to modern farming techniques. She highlighted the Nobel Prize-winning economist's observation that the farmers of Nalanda are "greater than scientists." President Murmu praised the farmers for striking a harmonious balance between preserving traditional agricultural practices and embracing modern methods.
President Murmu encouraged Bihar's farmers to capitalize on the rising demand for organic products. She pointed out the manifold benefits of organic farming, including cost reduction, environmental conservation, increased income for farmers, and the provision of nutritious food. The Government of Bihar's establishment of an organic corridor along the Ganga's banks was lauded as a positive initiative to promote organic farming in the state.
Addressing the issue of climate change, President Murmu emphasized that global warming disproportionately affects the underprivileged. Bihar has recently experienced a scarcity of rainfall, despite being considered a water-rich state. To maintain the state's water identity, President Murmu called for a renewed focus on water conservation.
Climate Resilient Agriculture, according to her, is pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By altering existing farming practices, it can promote biodiversity, reduce the exploitation of water resources, preserve soil fertility, and provide balanced nutrition to the population. The President also applauded Bihar for producing ethanol from maize, a major crop in the state. This development was described as a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels, protecting the environment, and ensuring energy security for the nation.
President urged policymakers and the people of Bihar to prioritize holistic development, emphasizing that an all-encompassing road map is necessary to achieve the state's progress. She expressed her hope that Bihar would continue to advance across various development parameters, including health, education, per capita income, and the Happiness Index. President Murmu underscored the importance of a concerted effort to propel Bihar towards becoming a developed state.
