Patna: (ABN) Agriculture Minister Ram Kirpal Yadav announced that the Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, has achieved a historic success in the field of agricultural biotechnology. The patent has been granted by the Government of India's Patent Office for the technology developed by the university's scientists. This achievement is a significant milestone not only for Bihar but also for the country's research and development.

On this proud occasion, the Agriculture Minister extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Vice-Chancellor, scientists, researchers, and technical staff of the Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. He said that this patent is strong evidence of the university's scientific capability, continuous research efforts, and commitment to innovation. The modern in-vitro technology developed for high-value crops like saffron will help increase farmers' income, promote agricultural diversity, and give a new direction to the state's agriculture in the future.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India and Make in India, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's vision of agricultural innovation, farmers' prosperity, and sustainable development, this patent obtained by the Bihar Agricultural University opens up new possibilities for the country and the state. The increase in production of high-value crops through modern biotechnology-based techniques will increase farmers' income, promote agricultural diversity, and accelerate rural employment.

The Minister said that saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and its cultivation has so far been largely limited to specific geographical regions. With changing climatic scenarios, protected cultivation, and biotechnology-based techniques, the possibilities of adopting saffron cultivation in non-traditional areas are emerging. The patented growth media composition developed by the university enables rapid, direct, and controlled in-vitro propagation of saffron, making it possible to produce standardized, disease-free, and uniform plants in a very short time.

He said that while traditional open-field cultivation of saffron can be challenging in Bihar's climate, cultivation in controlled temperature, humidity, and protected environment is completely possible. The healthy planting material obtained through in-vitro technology can be used in polyhouses, net houses, and modern horticulture systems. This will enable progressive farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), entrepreneurs, and start-ups to take saffron production forward.

The Hon'ble Minister said that this technology will address the shortage of saffron seed bulbs and reduce production costs, increasing farmers' profits. Furthermore, its commercialization will also promote saffron-based processing, packaging, marketing, and export, creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.

He also said that the state government will run training programs, demonstration units, pilot projects, and farmer awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Bihar Agricultural University.

This achievement is in line with the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, and will strengthen the country's agricultural economy.