By Kavita Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, April 9, 2026: In a major push toward modernizing agriculture, Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Thursday inaugurated the Directorate of Digital Agriculture at Krishi Bhawan in Mithapur, Patna.
On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated Model Custom Hiring Centers across 12 State Seed Multiplication Farms and Sub-Divisional Soil Testing Laboratories in 32 sub-divisions spanning 25 districts.
Digital push for agriculture by Ram Kripal Yadav:
Speaking at the event, Ram Kripal Yadav stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Agriculture Department is working continuously to enhance farmers’ welfare.
He emphasized that the newly established Directorate of Digital Agriculture aims to deliver the benefits of government schemes to farmers in real-time, conduct digital crop surveys for accurate estimation of production and productivity, develop integrated databases for agriculture and allied sectors, and promote innovation in farmer-centric digital services.
The Directorate will also facilitate initiatives such as Digital Soil Health Cards, drone-based plant protection, and digital crop estimation surveys, ensuring better planning and transparency in the agricultural sector.
Boost to Mechanization:
Under the centrally sponsored Sub-mission on Agricultural Mechanization, Model Custom Hiring Centers have been set up at seed farms in districts including Bhabhua, Dhanrua, Nawada, Pusa, and Piprakothi, among others.
These centers are equipped with 25 types of modern agricultural implements tailored to local farming needs.
Operating on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, they aim to provide farmers with access to advanced machinery, offer training and demonstrations, and improve seed quality and farm productivity in surrounding areas.
Soil health and sustainability:
To promote balanced fertilizer usage and sustainable farming, the government has also established Sub-Divisional Soil Testing Laboratories across 32 sub-divisions.
These labs will help reduce excessive use of chemical fertilizers, maintain soil health, and improve crop yield and productivity.
A step toward smart farming:
The Minister described the Directorate as a transformative step toward digitization and transparency in agriculture.
By integrating technology, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting scientific practices, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance farmers’ income and productivity across Bihar.
Also Read: Ram Kripal Yadav announced Bihar Nursery and Green-Tech Conclave 2026 will be held in Patna.
EOM.
