Bihar seeks Japanese assistance to spur agri sector

NEW DELHI: Bihar, which is laying special emphasis on development of agriculture to spur economic growth, has sought assistance from Japan to help usher in the "second green revolution".

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who met Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Delhi recently, apprised him of the 10 year roadmap for agriculture development in the state.

He sought cooperation in terms of Japanese technical and financial assistance for food processing, storage capacity and road connectivity to enable farm produce to reach market faster, according to a statement by the state government.

"Japan can play a significant role in helping Bihar usher in second green revolution," Nitish told Nodo.

"Bihar has the maximum potential for development", the statement quoted the Japanese Prime Minister as saying.

On road to economic recovery, the Bihar government is paying special attention to boost farm production, the mainstay of its economy, and has constituted a special Cabinet on Agriculture.

Of the 14 committees set up by the special Cabinet, 11 including those on land, agriculture, fishery, energy and irrigation have given their recommendations.

The centre is paying special attention towards the eastern states to boost agri production.

A sum of Rs 400 crore has been earmarked in the budget for 2011-12 to help the eastern states usher in a second green revolution.