By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In the last decade, Bihar has made significant strides in the production of meat, fish, and eggs. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day Bihar Poultry and Aqua Expo at Gyan Bhawan, Bihar’s Agriculture Minister, Mangal Pandey, highlighted that the state, once dependent on fish supplies from Andhra Pradesh, has now achieved self-sufficiency in fish farming. Bihar has begun exporting fish to Bengal and other states.
Mangal Pandey revealed that 38,000 metric tonnes of fish are being exported from Bihar annually. Animal Husbandry Minister Renu Devi was also present at the event, where both ministers distributed 25 bicycles equipped with ice containers for the sale of fish. The Health and Agriculture Minister noted that technological advancements are driving progress in both poultry and fish farming.
Animal husbandry and fish farming now contribute 20 percent to Bihar’s total gross state value addition. Fresh fish is readily available in villages, contributing to the state’s self-sufficiency. Minister Pandey further emphasised that fish consumption promotes intelligence. Over the past decade, Bihar has witnessed a 116 percent increase in milk production, a 260 percent rise in egg production, a 120 percent surge in meat production, and a 193 percent boost in fish production.
The state’s agricultural progress is attributed to the agriculture roadmap, which has also bolstered advancements in animal husbandry. Minister Renu Devi added that fish farming is now possible in waters as shallow as two-and-a-half feet, thanks to technological innovation. Bihar has become not only self-sufficient but also an exporter of fish, producing 8.79 lakh metric tonnes annually. Utilising 10-20 thousand hectares of Chaur land—part of the state’s 9 lakh hectares—could further enhance fish production.
As part of the river restoration programme, one crore fish will be released into 11 tributaries of the Ganges. Bihar’s farmers and entrepreneurs are generating ₹80,000 to ₹90,000 crore annually from poultry and fish farming, with this sector poised for even greater development in the future.
