Bhagalpur, June 20: Bihar’s Agriculture Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, inaugurated various projects and research facilities at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, Bhagalpur, on Saturday. He also participated in the 31st Research Council meeting, addressing scientists and farmers.
The minister began his visit by planting a sapling as part of the campaign ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother,’ initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He planted a sindoor tree during the event. Sinha inaugurated the university’s expanded and enhanced honey processing unit, which has increased honey processing capacity from 2 quintals to 6 quintals every six hours.
Additionally, he launched an automated honey filling system, which streamlines the bottling, capping, sealing, and labeling processes without human intervention. This innovation is expected to improve product quality and food safety standards.
During the visit, the minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art molecular plant disease laboratory, aimed at advancing scientific research on plant diseases. He virtually inaugurated a community radio station at the Agricultural Science Center in Katihar, which will broadcast agricultural, health, education, and awareness programs to approximately eight lakh people within a 20-kilometer radius.
With this addition, the number of community radio stations under BAU has now increased to four. Addressing the 31st Research Council meeting, the agriculture minister emphasized that in just 15 years since its establishment, Bihar Agricultural University has significantly contributed to the state’s agricultural progress. He stated that farmers are the greatest scientists and urged researchers to ensure that their work is beneficial to farmers, reducing their costs and labor.
Sinha highlighted the need to develop varieties and techniques to tackle climate challenges like El Niño and stressed the importance of conducting research tailored to the needs of small and marginal farmers. He called for a balanced use of chemicals and advocated for poison-free farming, urging farmers to adopt natural farming practices on at least 25% of their land.
During the event, Vice-Chancellor Dr. D.R. Singh presented several important proposals to the agriculture minister, including the establishment of a Center of Excellence for climate change and sindoor crops, an agriculture-based AI lab, a state-level coordination committee, and an additional Agricultural Science Center in Patna district. Over 700 farmers participated in the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi celebration held on the university campus, connecting virtually to the farmer honorarium distribution program.
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