The Bihar government on Tuesday unveiled two flagship programmes, the Bihar Aquaculture Improvement Program and the Bihar Dairy Transformation Project, to strengthen the fisheries and dairy sectors and enhance farmers’ income. The initiatives have been launched in partnership with the Gates Foundation and aim to promote technology-driven, inclusive, and sustainable rural development across the state.

Focus on Boosting Rural Livelihoods

Launching the programmes in Patna, Minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department Surendra Mehta said the state government is working relentlessly to improve the economic condition of farmers. He emphasised that animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries are key pillars of Bihar’s rural economy and that the new initiatives would help increase productivity, create employment opportunities and raise household incomes.

Alignment with ‘Developed Bihar’ Vision

Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit said Bihar has shown steady growth in both dairy and fisheries sectors over the years. He noted that collaboration with the Gates Foundation would further strengthen institutional capacity and technological adoption. The projects, he added, would significantly contribute to the state government’s flagship development agenda, including the ‘Seven Resolves – Part Three’, which focuses on economic growth and job creation.

Technology-Driven Transformation

Additional Chief Secretary Dr N. Vijayalakshmi said modern and scientific technologies are being introduced under both programmes to improve animal health, productivity and overall output. She highlighted that Bihar’s dairy brand Sudha has now begun exporting products to international markets, reflecting the sector’s growing potential and improved quality standards.

Sector-Specific Goals Outlined

Under the Bihar Dairy Transformation Project, the government will focus on ensuring fodder security, strengthening animal breeding systems, improving milk quality, and promoting value-added dairy products. Meanwhile, the Bihar Aquaculture Improvement Program aims to modernise the fisheries sector through scientific management practices, better infrastructure and enhanced fish production.

Stakeholders Present at the Launch

Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, representatives of the Gates Foundation, and senior officials from the Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department attended the launch event. Officials expressed confidence that the twin programmes would play a vital role in transforming Bihar’s rural economy and improving the livelihoods of farmers and fishers in the coming years.

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