The government's plan to promote the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants in Bihar

The Bihar government is promoting the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants in the state to encourage farmers to diversify crops for commercial agriculture.

The State Agriculture Department is providing financial assistance for the cultivation of plants such as lemongrass, palmarosa, asparagus, tulsi (holy basil), mulberry, vetiver, amla (Indian gooseberry), wood apple, tamarind, jackfruit, and lemon. Bihar's Agriculture Minister, Kumar Sarvjeet, stated, 'The government is providing financial aid and subsidies to farmers to support them in the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants. The increasing health awareness has created many opportunities for innovation in the agriculture sector.'

He mentioned that now is the time for Bihar's farmers to opt for commercial agriculture over traditional rice cultivation. This scheme will primarily be implemented in districts with special climatic conditions, including Gaya, Jamui, Nawada, East Champaran, Supaul, West Champaran, Saharsa, Khagaria, Vaishali, Kaimur, and Rohtas. The Agriculture Department has decided to provide financial aid of INR 75,000 per hectare for the cultivation of lemongrass, palmarosa, asparagus, tulsi, vetiver, and mulberry. For the cultivation of bel (wood apple), tamarind, jackfruit, lemon, and amla, the department will provide INR 50,000 per hectare.

The Agriculture Minister emphasized that the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and their processing is gaining momentum as new entrepreneurs and young farmers consider Bihar a conducive state for this sector. He said, 'Our focus is on integrated development, production, post-harvest management, storage, and marketing of agricultural products. In addition, modern nurseries are being established, cold storage facilities are being built, and marketing facilities are being made available to ensure that farmers receive proper benefits.' He mentioned, 'The goal of our government is to improve the social and economic status of farmers, especially small and marginal farmers.