Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Agriculture Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, chaired a review meeting at his office in Krishi Bhavan to assess the functioning of the Plant Protection Division and the State Soil Testing Laboratory in Patna.
During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of schemes related to plant protection, pest management, drone-based spraying, soil health management, and the operation and strengthening of laboratories.
Sinha emphasised that drone-based spraying for pest control has become a necessity in modern agriculture. However, he stressed the need for better coordination at the departmental level to ensure its effective implementation. He directed officials to conduct regular inspections of pesticide and liquid fertiliser spraying carried out through drones. He also called for the formation of a team of experts to scientifically study the impact of such spraying on crops and pests.
The minister further instructed officials to record video evidence after drone spraying operations and verify whether the spraying had actually been carried out in the designated areas. He made it clear that mere formalities would not suffice and that visible results must be achieved on the ground.
Officials informed the meeting that a total of ₹1,982.60 lakh had been spent on various plant protection schemes during the 2025–26 financial year. These include drone-based pesticide and liquid fertiliser spraying, pest management in orchards and crops, input distribution schemes, plant protection advisory services, and public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives for aerial spraying using drones.
Sinha also directed the development of a grading system for pesticide retail shops. He said shops should be evaluated based on quality, services provided to farmers, and sales performance, ensuring that farmers receive high-quality pesticides.
Reviewing soil testing laboratories, the minister highlighted that soil health is the foundation of agricultural productivity. He noted that ₹774.21 lakh had been spent in 2025–26 under the state scheme for the operation and strengthening of soil testing, seed analysis, and quality control laboratories. Additionally, ₹5,062.84 lakh was spent under the centrally sponsored Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana on soil health and fertility.
Sinha announced that he would personally visit villages to inspect soil testing processes, laboratory functioning, and the benefits reaching farmers. He instructed officials to work with full commitment to ensure that these schemes benefit the maximum number of farmers and contribute to increased agricultural production and productivity.
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