Patna (ABN) Minister of Agriculture Vijay Kumar Sinha visited the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Patancheru, Hyderabad, along with Principal Secretary Mr. Narmadeshwar Lal, Director of Agriculture Mr. Mukes Kumar Lal, and Director, Horticulture and Managing Director, Bihar State Horticulture Mission, Bihar Fruit and Vegetable Development Corporation, Mr. Abhishek Kumar.
During the visit, he had a detailed discussion with ICRISAT scientists and experts on the possibilities of agricultural development in Bihar and reviewed the progress of the Bihar Center of Excellence for Millets Value Chain (BCoEMVC) project. Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Head of the ICRISAT Gene Bank, briefed about the progress under the project and the work being done to develop and strengthen the millet-based value chain in Bihar.
The Minister said that linking agricultural opportunities with farmers' prosperity is a priority for the state government. By bringing modern research, modern technology, and scientific research to the fields, agricultural production and productivity can be increased, while farmers' income and livelihood can also be strengthened. He said that technical and scientific cooperation with international institutions like ICRISAT will play a crucial role in creating new opportunities in the agricultural sector in Bihar.
Agriculture Minister Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha said that millet production is being done in Bihar, but farmers will get a fair price for their produce only when a better market is available for millet, price increase and processing are promoted, and an effective market system is developed to reach the produce to consumers.
Appreciating the progress made under the Bihar Center of Excellence for Millets Value Chain project, he said that there is a need for widespread awareness among farmers about the benefits of sorghum. Farmers should be made aware of the nutritional and agricultural benefits of millet compared to traditional crop systems to promote their production and consumption.
He said that necessary steps will be taken to develop the Bihar Center of Excellence for Millets Value Chain as a model for food and nutritional security in eastern India and the entire country. ICRISAT's technical and scientific support will be crucial for the successful implementation of this initiative. He expressed confidence that cooperation between the Government of Bihar and ICRISAT will promote the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of sorghum, while strengthening the income and livelihood of farmers.