Germany keen to help Bihar in post-harvest technology

PATNA: German ambassador to India Michael Steiner today met Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and said Germany will provide all help to the state in the field of post harvest technology, food processing and vocational training.

"Germany will provide all possible help to establish cold chain in food processing sector in Bihar, as well as post harvest technology and vocational training. We will send agriculture and food processing experts to the state to facilitate development in the farming sector here," Steiner said.

He also invited the Bihar government to take part in the World Expo, which will be held in Germany in 2015.

The German ambassador praised the economic growth rate of Bihar and extended his good wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Chhath, a festival dedicated to the Sun God.

"Bihar is a centre of politics, culture, education and spirituality. My visit here will strengthen the relations between Germany and India," Steiner said.

Manjhi on his part informed Steiner about the way former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar brought the state to the path of development.

"Good work is going on in Bihar in the field of education, law and order, agriculture, roads and basic infrastructure. Bihar is developing in a better manner. We are improving in the electricity sector also. We used just 800 MW per day in 2005, but it has now increased to 2,800 MW daily," said Manjhi.

The Chief Minister also said Bihar would welcome investment and discussed Indo-German relations with the ambassador. Steiner is on a two day visit to Bihar with his wife Elies.

Development Commissioner S K Negi and Principal Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat) Brajesh Mehrotra were also present during the meeting.