Crop Diversification is the Key for Sustainable Agriculture in Bihar : Sanjay Kumar Agarwal

The ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna (ICAR-RCER) and the Bihar State Biodiversity Board (BSBB) jointly organized a workshop on ‘Bihar State Biodiversity strategy and Action Plan on Agriculture and Horticulture’ at ICAR-RCER, Patna on May 21, 2025. The Chief Guest of the workshop Shree Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Secretary, Agriculture, Govt. of Bihar emphasized that researchers should identify the challenges and threats in agricultural system of Bihar, and focus on crops diversification. Also, he stressed on conservation of native crops like Katarni, Marcha, Sonachur & Govind Bhog varieties of rice; Chiniya and Malbhog varieties of banana; Shahi Litchi; Dudhiya Malda and Digha varieties of mango, and jamun. “Researchers should focus on development of best varieties of seeds based on the need of farmers in order to achieve the goal of sustainable agriculture in Bihar”, added Shree Agarwal.

Shree Bharat Jyoti, Chairman, BSBB briefly explained the objectives of the workshop and formulation for biodiversity strategies and action plan to achieve Viksit Bharat goal in 2047.

Dr. Bikash Das, Director, NRC Litchi emphasized on the role of ICAR for creating agricultural biodiversity. Shree Abhay kumar, Director (Ecology & Environment) Govt. of Bihar told about the importance of document preparation for biodiversity conservation.

Dr Anup Das, Director ICAR RCER Patna congratulated Bihar State Biodiversity Board for organizing seminar on agro-biodiversity, as it's very important for sustainable agri-food system and environmental security. He conveyed his message that ICAR-RCER, Patna will work in close collaboration with Bihar State Biodiversity Board for conservation and improvement of biodiversity for their optimal use.

Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyaya, Acting Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna described about the various factors (Soil, Water, Crop, Livestock, Fisheries, Climate, Human Resources, etc) affecting biodiversity.

Shree Hemkant Roy, Joint Director, BSBB proposed the vote of thanks at the end of workshop. During the program, experts from ATARI, Patna, RPCAU, Pusa, officers from Govt. of Bihar, Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, HOD, DSEE, Dr. Kamal Sharma, HOD, DLFM and scientists of ICAR-RCER, Patna and others actively participated in the panel discussion.

During the technical session on horticulture, Dr. Sanjay Singh, Pr. Sc., ICAR- CISH, Lucknow; Dr.Tanmay Kumar Koley, Sr. Sc., and Dr. Kumari Shubha, Scientist from ICAR-RCER, Patna delivered the presentation in fruit and vegetable biodiversity in Bihar . Dr. Narayan Bhakta, Principal Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna presented on biodiversity in agricultural crops in Bihar. 

The programme was coordinated by Dr. P.C. Chandran, Dr. Rohan Kumar Raman, Dr. Rajni Kumari, Dr. Vivekanand Bharti, Dr. Abhishek Kumar and Sh. Umesh Kumar Mishra from ICAR-RCER, Patna, and Dr. Jay Kumar from BSBB. A total number of about 75 officers participated in the programme.