Team TrickyScribe: A high-level workshop titled “Bihar State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan on Agriculture and Horticulture” was organized on May 21, 2025, by the ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, in collaboration with the Bihar State Biodiversity Board (BSBB).
Chief Guest Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Secretary, Agriculture, Government of Bihar, emphasized the critical role of crop diversification in securing the state’s agricultural future. He called upon researchers to identify challenges threatening Bihar’s agrarian system and advocate sustainable practices through preservation and promotion of native crop varieties.
Reviving Bihar’s Native Crop Wealth
Shree Agarwal stressed on conserving indigenous rice varieties like Katarni, Marcha, Sonachur, and Govind Bhog; bananas like Chiniya and Malbhog; the famed Shahi Litchi; mango varieties like Dudhiya Malda and Digha; and Jamun. “Development of need-based, high-yield seed varieties is essential to meet farmers’ expectations and promote sustainability,” he added.
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
BSBB Chairman Bharat Jyoti explained the workshop’s broader vision aligning with the national goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The platform saw active participation from leading agricultural institutions including ATARI, RPCAU-Pusa, ICAR-CISH, and the Bihar state government. Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, pledged close coordination with BSBB for long-term biodiversity preservation and optimal use.
Expert Views on Biodiversity and Horticulture
Key presentations were delivered by Dr. Sanjay Singh from ICAR-CISH Lucknow, Dr. Tanmay Kumar Koley, Dr. Kumari Shubha, and Dr. Narayan Bhakta from ICAR-RCER, highlighting the importance of fruit, vegetable, and agricultural biodiversity in Bihar. Experts underlined that agro-biodiversity is not just a scientific goal but a socio-economic imperative.
Towards an Integrated Strategy
Technical sessions covered a broad spectrum of factors—soil, water, livestock, fisheries, climate, and human resources—that influence biodiversity. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Hemkant Roy, Joint Director, BSBB. Around 75 officials, scientists, and policymakers participated in the discussions, signaling a strong institutional commitment to shaping a resilient agricultural roadmap for Bihar.
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