Our government's commitment is to connect farmers with technology, modernize agriculture, and increase their income. The state government is continuously working towards this goal. State Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav stated this on Thursday. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the state-level Agricultural Mechanization Fair (Agro Bihar-2026) held at Gandhi Maidan.

He inaugurated the fair, which runs until March 15th. He noted that more than 100 stalls have been set up at this fair, spread over an area of ​​over 200,000 square feet. Agricultural equipment manufacturers from not only Bihar but also states like Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal have also participated. Our government is providing modern agricultural equipment to farmers at subsidized rates, and this subsidy is being transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts through DBT. This ensures transparent and timely benefits for farmers.

*This fair is a confluence of technology*

At the ceremony, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Narmadeshwar Lal, said that this fair is a confluence of farmers with technology. This fair has been organized in Patna since 2011. We can increase production with the help of technology. The growing population and the resulting pressure on agriculture can only be reduced with the help of technology.

He said that a major challenge is that our farmers have small land holdings. Therefore, through cluster farming, farmers can cultivate together and take advantage of agricultural equipment. Custom hiring centers are being established in every district of the state, so small and marginal farmers can rent agricultural equipment and cultivate.

*70% of the population depends on agriculture*

On this occasion, Gaurav Shah, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Bihar, said that this is an important medium to promote agricultural innovation, farm mechanization, economic adoption, and industry-farmer partnerships. 70% of the state's population depends on agriculture, so it is important to modernize agriculture. Agriculture Director Saurabh Suman Yadav said that machinery plays a vital role in making agriculture productive, sustainable, and profitable. Agro Bihar 2026 has been organized with this objective. To promote mechanization in Bihar, subsidies are being provided on 91 types of agricultural machinery.