Khagaria, Bihar, January 2026 — An orientation programme for farmers was organised at Borna Panchayat in Khagaria district this week, bringing together local agricultural officers, block development officials, community leaders and farmers to discuss crop management practices, government schemes and farm technology adoption.
The event aimed to empower farmers with updated knowledge to improve productivity and household incomes amid evolving agricultural challenges. (Based on report from Aaj Tak and regional agriculture context)
Farmer Education at the Centre
The orientation session covered key aspects of modern farming techniques, crop cycle planning, use of improved seeds and soil health management. Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort by district agriculture departments and local panchayats to connect farmers directly with extension services and government support schemes, ensuring that small and marginal cultivators make informed decisions each season. (General agricultural development context)
Farmers were encouraged to adopt best practices in sowing, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and post‑harvest handling — crucial for crops common in the region such as paddy, pulses and oilseeds. Local agricultural experts shared practical tips on managing input costs and maximizing yields, especially in the face of erratic weather patterns that have affected the region’s cropping cycles in recent years.
Linking Farmers to Government Schemes
Officials at the event highlighted several state and central government programmes that farmers can benefit from if they are properly registered and aware of the eligibility criteria. These include:
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi — a direct income support scheme for farmers, subject to registration and validation of land records.
- Crop compensation schemes — for relief in case of crop damage due to adverse weather conditions, which require timely online application.
- Subsidy support for horticulture and diversification — programmes that provide significant assistance for cultivating high‑value crops like papaya, improving earnings.
- Farmer registries and digital platforms — designed to help farmers access multiple agricultural benefits through online DBT portals.
Officials also emphasised the importance of timely farmer registration and e‑KYC on government portals, which form the basis for eligibility for various schemes and payments. Similar efforts in nearby districts have seen hundreds of registrations and verification completions in recent registration camps.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Reducing Risk
Experts at the orientation programme noted that smallholder farmers often face knowledge gaps about improved practices and official programme benefits. Sessions therefore focused not only on technical farming skills but also on understanding crop diversification, soil testing, and risk management — tools that help mitigate losses from unpredictable rains and pest outbreaks.
Such topics are increasingly relevant in Bihar’s agricultural landscape, where farmers are urged to move beyond traditional approaches to maintain profitability.
Community Dialogue and Feedback
The programme also provided a platform for farmers to voice concerns, ask questions and share their firsthand experiences. Many participants welcomed the opportunity to interact directly with officials and agricultural professionals, saying that localised support and tailored guidance help them make better choices ahead of the sowing season.
Local block officials said that similar orientation camps would soon be held in neighbouring panchayats to ensure wider outreach across Khagaria district.
State Support for Agriculture Growth
Bihar’s agricultural priorities in recent years have increasingly focused on horticulture support, technology uptake, and downstream linkage creation. For example, the state government has backed incentives for fruit cultivation with up to 60 percent subsidies and is promoting integrated farming systems to increase incomes.
Beyond subsidies, farmers are being encouraged to engage with emerging programmes that link production with market access and processing opportunities — a key step in ensuring sustainable rural livelihoods.
Looking Ahead
The orientation programme reflects growing efforts by local authorities and agriculture departments to provide practical, grassroots‑level support to farmers rather than solely relying on top‑down policies. By equipping farmers with knowledge about both farming techniques and government support mechanisms, officials hope to strengthen the sector’s resilience and profitability.
As the rabi sowing season approaches, farmers in Khagaria and surrounding areas are expected to benefit from continued advisory support, training camps and digital enrolment drives that make it easier to access subsidies, compensation schemes, and crop advisories.
