Bihar becoming an integrated Agri hub
By now Bihar has taken the lead position within the country in production of many fruits and vegetables and has quietly become a role model in agri production. Litchi and Makhana ( Fox Nut) are not the only fruits in which Bihar is the top producer in the country. There are many other produces in which Bihar’s position ranks from first to third.
Apart from Litchi and Makhana, Bihar holds the top position in production and export of Singhara (water chestnut), Mashrooms and Lauki ( bottle gourd ). Bihar is now among the top three States in production of green vegetables and potatoes in the country, behind only West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. It is the fourth largest producer of mangoes in the country behind Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnatka. In production of rice and wheat it holds sixth rank among the States.
India’s Top Producer
Litchi – Bihar produces around 320000 tons of Litchi every year which 45% of country’s total output. The Shahi Litch of Tirhut belt ( Muzaffarpur – Vaishali ) now has a GI Tag for its unique qualities. Upto 7000 tons of Shai litchi are exported every year to Britain, Australia, Nepal, UAE, European Union, Thailand etc.
Makhana- Mithila region of Bihar ( Sitamarhi, Dharbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur ) has a GI Tag for Makhana. Nearly 80 % of country’s makhana is produced in this region amounting to 120000 tons. One third of the produce gets processed and around 2500tons gets exported to USA, UAE, Nepal, Australia, UK, Canada etc.
Mashroom – In 2022 Bihar jumped from 13th position to No1 producer of Mashrooms in the country. Annual production now has crossed 41000 tons which constitutes around 12 % of total national output.
The main varieties are button mashrooms and oyster mashrooms. 8000 tons of mashrooms gets exported every year to China, Nepal and Japan. North Eastern states, West Bengal, Jharkhand and UP are major consumers of this vegetable.
Singhara – Out of nearly 100000 tons of this item produced in Bihar,around 80% comes from North Bihar. India exports 1000 tons annually to countries like UAE, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, USA, UK, NewZealand and Canada.
Lauki — The state produces nearly 670000 tons of this hardy vegetable constituting 20% of country’s production. Grown mostly during summers and monsoon season in the fertile areas of Gangetic belt, the vegetable is consumed within the country with some getting exported to Bangladesh and Nepal.
2nd to 5th Position
Apart from holding top position for 5 items, Bihar holds second position in India in production of Jute and Mesta. It is at No 3 position in production of potato, green chilies, bhindi, cauliflower and Masoor dal.
The fertile soil helps Bihar in maintaing 4th rank among the States in production of Mangoes, onion, brinjal, radish, cabbage and carrot. It holds 5th rank in production of Sugarcane, maize and sunflower seeds.
Agro Scientists say that the soil in the gangetic belt is very fertile and suitable for cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Both the State Government and the Centre are encouraging the agriculture activities with better seeds, irrigation projects and modern techniques. Demand for items like Litchi and Makhana from foreign countries are increasing every year. The State is becoming the Agri Hub of the country.
Source : article by Ankit Kumar Katiyar
