With the adoption of traditional and modern techniques, farmers have managed to boost the production of maize in Bihar .jpg) Farmers in Bihar are overwhelmed by the high production of maize. Currently, maize production in the state stands at 2,541 kg per hectare. Favourable climatic conditions, coupled with suitable soil conditions have bolstered maize production in Bihar.Implementation of both traditional and modern agricultural techniques has further improved production of the commodity. While one section of farmers continues to use the regular maize seeds available in the market, another section has opted for hybrid seed variety in order to cater to maize requirements of the increasing population as well as fetch higher profits in both domestic and global markets. In this context, Tarun Yadav, manager of Agro Fresh, a mid-sized maize exporter in Patna, Bihar, says, “The government should encourage usage of both traditional and modern techniques of maize production in other maize producing states as well by imparting training about benefits of both the techniques. This will help farmers to utilise inputs that would improve production of maize and minimise the usage of chemicals, harmful for consumer health.”
Required initiatives
According to Rakesh Rai, manager of Shiva Ltd, a small-sized maize supplier in Gaya, Bihar, “Bihar is endowed with proper irrigation facility that is essential for crop cultivation. However, measures should be undertaken to cope with crises situation like droughts when non-availability of water leads to drop in crop production. Therefore, the government should undertake the initiative to construct dams and reservoirs to store water to meet irrigation requirements.”
In a bid to further improve the food production in Bihar the state chief minister Nitish Kumar has also suggested that diesel subsidy for irrigation purpose should be provided on a regular basis that will help farmers in irrigation of rabi crops. He also added that there should be easy availability of hybrid seeds for raising maize production in the state.
Therefore, with the proper utilisation of the natural resources, coupled with support from the government, Bihar would be able to cater to maize requirements of consumers across the country.
Sabrina Mitchell |
