Bihar Seeks Special Central Aid for Agriculture as Ram Kripal Yadav Meets Shivraj Singh Chouhan
State pushes for MSP expansion, higher funding and priority status for pulses and oilseeds production
Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Wednesday met Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi, seeking enhanced central support for the state’s agricultural development and measures to boost farmers’ income.
During the meeting, Yadav submitted a detailed proposal outlining key demands for Bihar’s agriculture sector. He requested special central assistance to strengthen infrastructure, improve productivity and ensure sustainable growth in farming activities across the state.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the Centre for approving procurement of lentils at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in Bihar for the first time. He further urged the Union government to initiate MSP-based procurement of gram, mustard and other oilseed crops to provide better price support to farmers.
Highlighting the need for focused policy support, Yadav requested that Bihar be included as a priority state for pulses and oilseeds production. He also sought additional funding under major central schemes, including the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and the Pulses Atmanirbharta Mission.
Responding to the requests, Chouhan assured that the Centre is committed to strengthening Bihar’s agricultural sector and indicated that a special development package would be considered based on the state’s requirements.
Yadav also informed that Farmer IDs have been created for over 4.7 million farmers in Bihar, with registration being carried out in mission mode through camps organised by agriculture and revenue officials.
On the availability of fertilizers, the minister said that as of April 1, 2026, the state has adequate stock, including 2.77 lakh metric tons of urea, 1.46 lakh metric tons of DAP, 2.11 lakh metric tons of NPK, 0.43 lakh metric tons of MOP and 1.02 lakh metric tons of SSP. He added that continuous supply is being ensured to meet farmers’ requirements.
The meeting highlighted Bihar’s push for greater central support and policy interventions aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
