The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Topics (ICRISAT) is collaborating with the Government of Bihar to provide scientific support for the implementation of Bihar's 4th Krishi (agricultural) Road Map.
The plan aims to enhance the sustainability and profitability of crop production in the state, which encompasses diverse agro-climatic zones and which experiences floods and droughts.
Dr Mangala Rai, Agriculture Advisor to the Chief Minister of Bihar chaired a meeting in which representatives from ICRISAT, Bihar's Department of Agriculture, allied departments, and universities came together to develop an action plan for the roadmap.
Deputy Director General of Research at ICRISAT Dr Arvind Kumar said the Institute was privileged to be part of the 4th Krishi Road Map and the collaboration would encompass cutting-edge research in molecular biology, crop improvement, and millet research, bolstered by innovative technologies and approaches such as gene editing, speed breeding, and landscape-based cultivation methods.
"The partnership will also focus on research related to value chains, seed systems, sustainable diversification, and water-budget integration in drought-prone regions of Bihar emphasizing the concept of One Health - encompassing feed and fodder research and breeding," said Dr Kumar.
Left: (center) Dr Mangala Rai leads the inaugural session. Dr Rameshwar Singh, Vice Chancellor- BASU; Dr PS Pandey, Vice Chancellor-RPCAU; Dr B Rajendra, Chief Secretary, Department of Agriculture; Dr Alok Ranjan Ghosh, Director of Agriculture, Bihar Government; and Dr Arvind Kumar DDG-R, ICRISAT are also seen. Right: Participants at a brainstorming session.
Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, applauded the collaboration and said ICRISAT was delighted to support the 4th Krishi roadmap in fortifying Bihar's agricultural sector.
“This signifies a remarkable moment for transformative progress in Bihar. Through our collaboration, we can harness the power of cutting-edge research, innovative solutions, and evidence-based strategies to catalyze sustainable agricultural development in the state.
"Bihar's agriculture roadmap places a strong emphasis on capacity building and skill development for the next generation of researchers from agricultural universities, and I am encouraged that it is committed to inclusive development, recognizing the importance of gender and youth empowerment.
"By joining forces, we are poised to unlock the full potential of Bihar's agricultural landscape, fostering resilience, productivity, and prosperity for the farming community, and nurturing a vibrant rural economy for enhanced food sovereignty, livelihoods, and social well-being" said Dr Hughes.
Under the leadership of Dr Mangala Rai, a team of scientists from ICRISAT, Bihar Animal Sciences University (BASU), Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Bihar Agriculture University (BAU), and the Department of Agriculture – Government of Bihar convened on May 22-23 to formulate the action plan for 2023-24.
Site selection for establishing Center of Excellence in Small Millets.
Banner image: File photo of farmers in a barnyard millet field.
This work aligns with SDGs 2, 5, 13 and 17.