Establishment of Rajendra Central Agricultural University in Bihar

BIHAR: The Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved creation of a central agricultural university at Pusa in SamastipurDistrict of Bihar state by converting the state agriculture university into a national level institute through strengthening of infrastructure, and manpower and provision of other facilities at a cost of Rs.295 crore.

The university have six colleges, seven research institutes and eleven Krishi Vigyan Kendras to begin with, and will be greatly strengthened with facilities such as state-of-the-art laboratories, modern equipments, adequate teaching manpowerand necessary  civil infrastructure and copious operational provisions to perform on-farm research and frontline extension. Land will also be identified for setting up under this University, two more colleges of Agriculture, a college of Veterinary Science and a college of Horticulture and Forestry at Motihari and the cabinet today has accorded ‘in principle’ approval for starting these colleges and for reviving the Banana research centre at Goraul (Vaishali) . Apart from focusing on research and education in Agriculture,the Central Agricultural University will strengthen research on integrated farming techniques, by promoting thereby  enhancing diversification.

The state of the eastern region have particular significance for agriculture considering the large percentage the population that depends on agriculture for their livelihood. The region comprising,the state of Assam, west Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha also contribute about 35% of rice production in the country. The major area of concern, however is the prevalent level of farm productivity inspite of rich natural endowments. There is a scope for considerable enhancement with proper R&D and extension approach

The Govt. has been making special effort to address the issue in a comprehensive manner .Toward this end , in the Budget presented for the year 2014-2015, the creation of an Indian Agricultural Research institute focusing on the eastern region was announced and the foundation stone was lying.