"I do not see any reason why agricultural growth rate of Bihar can’t be doubled from 5.8 per cent at present in the next three years, provided all the logistics thought of for integrated growth of agri there are properly harnessed," Rai, told news agency PTI in New Delhi.

Rai, who is former Director General of ICAR and who has been appointed as Agriculture Advisor to the Bihar chief minister said through improving irrigation system, judicious use of fertiliser and making available quality seeds to farmers, the average productivity of staple foodgrain crops like wheat and rice could be easily doubled to four tonnes per hectare in the near future.

Rai, it must be recalled made a comprehensive presentation on speeding farm growth in the eastern state at the special Agriculture Cabinet on April 26. He said there was huge possibility of increasing production of vegetables and fruits in the state.

He also mentioned the possibility of harnessing potential in the field of fishery, livestocks and poultry in Bihar.

The cabinet meeting decided to set up 14 committees on Water, cooperative, agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, disaster management, soil conservation, research, bio-tech, information technology and, market storage and processing.

He said that these committees have been told to send recommendations before the next special cabinet on agriculture on June 15, which will discuss them comprehensively.

Rai has served as President of the prestigious National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, which is a premier body of over 460 eminent agricultural scientists in India and abroad including 5 World Food laureates.

He has also worked in the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet and on the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. .

Comment

comments...