Bihar Government Modernizes Agricultural Markets, Enhancing Farmers’ Earnings and Reducing Middlemen Influence Across Major Districts

The Bihar government is making big changes to help farmers get better prices for their crops. They have started a project called the Agriculture Roadmap (2023-28), which focuses on improving the agricultural market system in the state. Recently, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav shared that they are selecting 22 out of 53 major markets in Bihar to add modern facilities.

As part of this plan, key markets in districts like Sasaram, Begusarai, Katihar, and Gaya will be developed step by step. The Bihar Sharif Market Committee is specifically getting a makeover under the ‘Smart City Plan’. The minister mentioned that the upgrades are already complete in several places like Daudnagar and Vaishali, while work in other markets is in full swing.

This modernization will not only improve basic facilities but will also include things like modern sheds, paved roads, and 24-hour electricity. Farmers will benefit from safe storage and better packaging options for their produce, which will help reduce losses after harvest. This means they can sell higher-quality products in the market.

One of the key features of this initiative is digital connectivity. So far, 20 major agricultural markets in Bihar are linked to the e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) portal. This means farmers can now sell their produce online, reaching buyers all over India. This system makes trade more transparent and gives farmers better prices due to increased competition.

Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav believes that improving market yards will boost Bihar’s agricultural economy. With stronger infrastructure, farmers can become more self-reliant, leading to increased incomes. This effort aims to position Bihar as a significant trading hub for agricultural products in the future.