Rainbow Revolution in Bihar: Problem and Prospect

Abstract

Green revolution has made the country self-sufficient in food grain production, mainly rice and wheat. We now need to usher in a rainbow revolution which encompasses not only agriculture but the allied sectors as well. We are expecting a revolution in agriculture which is likely to make paradigm shift in agricultural technology and marketing of agricultural commodities. Rainbow Revolution is one of strategies to achieve this objective. It refers to a sustainable agricultural revolution where equal focus is given on minimizing cost of production and increasing produce, environmental impact, and impact of fertilizers on consumers and soil health. Bihar is the third largest state in India with respect to population and seventh largest in area. It supports 8.8 percent of country’s population with only 2.8 percent of land mass. Agriculture is an important sector since it generates 16 percent of State GDP but provides employment to 70 percent of rural working force. About 69 percent of total geographical area is used for cultivation but almost one-third area is under problematic with respect to soil or ecological situation In Bihar, Indian policy makers are expecting second Green revolution /Rainbow revolution in eastern India, particularly in Bihar.Rainbow revolution is possible, if infrastructure for agricultural growth is strengthened. There is need for an innovative approach in agricultural marketing which is one of the major hindrances in fruit and vegetable production. Poor access of farmers to modern seeds of vegetables and fruit saplings needs to be improvement for increasing their production. There is still energy crisis in Bihar. Farmers do not use electrified tube well due to lack and/or irregular supply of electricity in rural area. Blue revolution is constrained due to non-availability of capital however small land holdings is also hindrance in starting fish culture in Bihar. There is potential of increasing livestock production but farmers are devoid of institutional support in dairy/livestock production. Government prepared two Road Maps for agricultural development but most of targets could not be achieved. There is a need to create awareness among farmers about increasing production of various agricultural products but small size of land holdings, poor infrastructure and weak institutional arrangements should be considered for any agricultural development programme in Bihar.