Bihar To Launch Incentives Programme To Promote Organic Farming

A senior official from Bihar's agriculture department has announced that they plan to launch a special incentive program in all 38 districts to promote organic farming, based on the positive response received from farmers in areas covered by a pilot project. The decision was made after observing the encouraging feedback from farmers who have embraced this natural method of farming.

According to Agriculture Minister Kumar Sarvajeet, chemical-free farming is presently being carried out in 13 districts situated along the river Ganga. He further mentioned that this approach would be expanded to other regions under the fourth agricultural roadmap, which is expected to be introduced soon. The minister also stated that this new roadmap would focus on promoting chemical-free farming on a large scale.

According to officials, the department has suggested providing incentives for establishing vermicompost production units, biogas plants, and biotech laboratories through public-private partnerships in all districts. The proposal also aims to promote innovation and start-ups in the organic farming sector, as well as provide financial assistance to groups of farmers who are involved in producing green manure. The incentive program aims to offer subsidies of up to 90% of the total cost for certain areas.

Over the past three years (since 2019-20), approximately 40,000 farmers have been actively involved in organic farming across various districts in Bihar, such as Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur, Munger, Nalanda, and Katihar. These farmers have obtained C-2 certification for their organic produce, and they are soon to receive C-3 certification, which is the highest recognition for organic farming. As a result, their products will be marketed with top-notch credentials.

The state government is providing financial aid of ₹11,500 per acre for organic farming, along with free biofertilizer and certified seeds, to the farmers. More than 200 clusters of farmers are involved in organic farming, covering approximately 37,000 acres. To further encourage organic farming, the government has decided to offer financial support of either ₹5,000 or 50% of the development cost per vermicompost unit. The goal is to build approximately 19,000 vermicompost units with this financial aid, as stated by an official from the department.

In addition, the state government has given its approval to the department's proposal to assist private entrepreneurs in establishing a minimum of 13 commercial vermicomposting plants. These entrepreneurs will receive a subsidy of ₹6.40 lakh or 40% of the cost of each unit.

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