Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Bihar - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Agriculture in Bihar

• Workforce Dependence: A significant 74% of Bihar's workforce relies on agriculture and related activities for their livelihood.
• Agro-Productivity Potential: The Gangetic plains, with their rich natural resources, offer great potential for high agricultural productivity.
• Economic Contribution: As of the Economic Survey Report 2018-19, the agricultural sector contributes approximately 20% to Bihar's State Gross Domestic Product (SGDP).
• Landholdings: Bihar has around 1.61 crore landholdings, with an average size of 0.39 hectare per holding.
• Food Grain Production: The state produces about 6.6% of India's food grains, despite agricultural practices being carried out on less than 60% of the available land.

Districts with High Net Sown Area

• Buxar: 86.8% net sown area
• Nalanda: 77.1% net sown area
• Madhepura: 74.4% net sown area
• Bhojpur: 72.4% net sown area
• Siwan: 73% net sown area
• Muzaffarpur: 72% net sown area
• Gopalganj: 71.2% net sown area

Districts with Low Net Sown Area

• Patna: 49.9% net sown area
• Nawada: 47.2% net sown area
• Araria: 44.7% net sown area
• Jehanabad: 44.6% net sown area
• Kaimur: 42.6% net sown area
• Banka: 37.5% net sown area
• Gaya: 37.4% net sown area
• Lakhisarai: 34.4% net sown area
• Munger: 32.4% net sown area
• Jamui: 27.4% net sown area

Historical Land Reforms in Bihar

• Land Reforms Act: Implemented in 1950 to address land distribution issues.
• Bhoodan Yagna Act: Introduced in 1954 to promote voluntary land donation.
• Consolidation of Holding and Prevention of Fragmentation Act: Enacted in 1956 to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land.
• Ceiling and Acquisition of Surplus Land Act: Passed in 1961 to set landholding ceilings and acquire surplus land.
• Tenancy Laws Amendment: The Bihar Tenancy Laws (Amendment) Act was implemented in 1963 to regulate tenancy agreements.

Overview of Bihar

• Bihar is located in the eastern part of India, bordered by Nepal to the north, West Bengal to the east, Jharkhand to the south, and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
• The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and diverse geography, which includes the fertile plains of the Ganges River, hills in the south, and rivers like the Ganges, Kosi, and Gandak.
• Agriculture is the primary occupation, with major crops including rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses. Bihar is also known for its handloom and handicraft industries, producing items like silk, brassware, and wooden crafts.
• The state has made significant progress in education and healthcare in recent years, although it still faces challenges such as poverty and infrastructure development.
• Festivals like Chhath Puja, Diwali, and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the state's rich cultural traditions.

Location

• Bihar is located in the eastern part of India.
• It is bordered by the country of Nepal to the north and by the Indian states of West Bengal to the east, Jharkhand to the south, and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
• The Ganges River flows through the state from west to east.

Climate

• Bihar experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot summers, a rainy season, and mild winters.
• The summer months (April to June) can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall, while winter (October to March) is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).

Geography

• The state is predominantly flat, part of the Gangetic Plain, which is one of the most fertile regions in the world.
• The northern part of Bihar is characterized by the Terai region, with its rich alluvial soil, while the southern part has some hilly areas, particularly in the districts bordering Jharkhand.
• Major rivers, including the Ganges, Gandak, Kosi, and Son, play a crucial role in agriculture and irrigation.

Economy

• The economy of Bihar is primarily agrarian, with a significant portion of the population engaged in farming. Major crops include rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds.
• In recent years, there has been a push towards industrialization, with the development of small-scale industries and handloom sectors. Bihar is known for its silk production, particularly in the Bhagalpur district, and handicrafts such as brassware and wooden crafts.
• Remittances from Bihari migrants working in other parts of India and abroad also contribute significantly to the state’s economy.

Culture

• Bihar has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various dynasties and empires that ruled the region, including the Maurya and Gupta empires.
• The state is known for its festivals, traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Festivals like Chhath Puja, Durga Puja, and Diwali are celebrated with great fervor.
• Traditional Bihari cuisine includes dishes like Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha, and various types of sweets made from khoya and jaggery.

Historical Significance

• Bihar is historically significant as the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism. Important sites include Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, and Nalanda, home to one of the oldest universities in the world.
• The state has numerous archaeological sites, temples, and monuments that reflect its rich history and cultural diversity.

Challenges

• Despite progress, Bihar faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure.
• The government has been working on improving roads, healthcare, education, and electricity supply to enhance the quality of life for its residents and stimulate economic growth.

Physical Features of Bihar

Bihar, located in the eastern part of India, is characterized by a diverse range of physical features, including plains, rivers, and a small hill region. Here’s an overview of the physical features of Bihar:

Plains

• Bihar is predominantly made up of flat and fertile plains, part of the Gangetic Plain, which is one of the most fertile regions in the world.
• The plains are formed by the alluvial deposits brought by the numerous rivers flowing through the state, making it ideal for agriculture.

Rivers

• The state is crisscrossed by several major rivers, including the Ganges, Gandak, Kosi, and Son, which play a crucial role in agriculture, irrigation, and transportation.
• The Ganges River is the most significant, flowing from west to east and forming the southern boundary of the state.
• The rivers are prone to flooding, especially during the monsoon season, but they also replenish the soil with nutrients, supporting the agricultural economy.

Hill Region

• The southern part of Bihar has a small hilly region, particularly in the districts bordering Jharkhand.
• These hills are part of the Chotanagpur Plateau and are characterized by rolling hills and rocky outcrops.
• This region is less densely populated and has a different ecological zone compared to the plains, with forests and mineral resources.

Climate and Soil

• The climate is tropical monsoon, with hot summers, a rainy season, and mild winters.
• The soil in the plains is predominantly alluvial, rich in nutrients, making it suitable for various crops.
• In the hilly areas, the soil is generally lateritic and less fertile, but these regions have forests and wildlife.

Natural Resources

• The state is rich in natural resources, including fertile land, forests in the hilly areas, and mineral resources like coal and iron ore in the southern region.
• Overall, the physical features of Bihar, with its fertile plains, abundant water resources, and a small hilly region, contribute significantly to its economy, primarily based on agriculture and allied activities. The diverse topography also supports various forms of livelihood and natural ecosystems.

Land Use Pattern in Bihar

The land use pattern in Bihar as of 2016-17 is as follows:

Agro Climatic Zones of Bihar

The agro-climatic zones in Bihar are categorized based on soil characteristics, geographical features, rainfall, and temperature. There are three main zones:

North-West Alluvial Plain

Geography and Soil

• Extends from the Terai region of the Himalayas to the Plains of the Ganges.
• Characterized by medium acidic, heavy-textured soils ranging from sandy loam to clayey loam.
• The region is prone to flooding.

Climate

• Receives an average rainfall of about 1,235 mm.
• About 42% of the land is under irrigation.

Major Crops

• Rice, Wheat, Maize, Potato, Sugarcane, Mango, Litchi.

Districts Covered

• West Champaran, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Gopalganj, Begusarai.

North-East Alluvial Plain

Geography and Soil

• Located in the North-East plains of Bihar.
• Soils are sandy to silty loam, light to medium textured, and slightly acidic.

Climate

• Receives average rainfall of about 1,382 mm.
• Approximately 44% of the land is under irrigation.

Major Crops

• Maize, Jute, Pineapple.

Districts Covered

• Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Khagaria, Araria, Kishanganj.

South Bihar Alluvial Plain

Geography and Soil

• Located in the Southern Plains of Bihar.
• Soils vary from alluvial to sandy loam, clayey loam, and clay.

Climate

• Receives average annual rainfall of about

Agricultural Regions in Bihar

• One Crop Regions: These areas are suitable for growing only one type of crop, which is rice. An example of a district in this region is Madhubani.
• Two Crops Regions: In these regions, two crops are commonly grown together, such as rice with maize, wheat, or jute. Purnea district is an example of this type of region.
• Three Crops Regions: These areas support the cultivation of three different crops, with rice being a staple. Examples of crops in this region include jute, khesari, and wheat.
• Four Crops Regions: In these regions, four different crops are grown together, with rice being the primary crop. For instance, in Bhagalpur district, rice is grown alongside wheat, maize, and khesari.

Crop Seasons in Bihar

There are three crop seasons in Bihar which are as follows:

Kharif Crop Season

• Characteristics: Typical of Northern Bihar plain regions.
• Districts Involved: Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Purnea, Saharsa, Madhepura, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Kishanganj, Samastipur, and Katihar.
• Important Crops: Rice, ragi (finger millet), millet, maize, jowar, bajra, cotton, and groundnut.
• Special Notes: Ragi is widely grown in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saharsa, Samastipur, and Sitamarhi. Diara land of the Ganga and Kosi river regions extensively cultivate maize.
• Sowing and Harvesting: Sown in May-June and harvested in October-November. Requires less irrigation.

Bhadai Crop Season

• Involves crops that require less time to grow, such as maize, jowar, paddy, bajra, millet, and oilseeds.
• Sowing and Harvesting: Sown in May-June and harvested in August-September.

Aghani Crop Season

• Includes crops sown during the monsoon season (July-August) and harvested during November-December. Dominates crop production in Bihar.
• Key Crop: Rice, with significant production in Purnea, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, and Rohtas.

Rabi Crop Season

• Timing: Sown in October-November and harvested in March-April.
• Important Crops: Wheat, grams, barley, rapeseed, and mustard.
• Irrigation: Rabi crops are mostly unirrigated and can thrive in lower temperatures and soil moisture levels.

Zaid Crop Season

• Zaid crops are cultivated from March to June in regions with good irrigation or in wetlands. 
• This season is particularly known for the production of green vegetables, as well as special varieties of rice and maize that thrive in well-irrigated conditions.

Main Crops of Bihar

The important crops of Bihar are as follows:

Rice (Paddy)

• Rice is the primary cereal crop in Bihar, covering 45% of the total cultivable land.
• It relies heavily on monsoon rains, requiring high temperatures, fertile soil, and over 125 cm of rainfall.
• Bihar ranks 6th in India for rice production, with leading producers like Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Banka.
• The state has received the Krishi Karman Award for rice production, and notable varieties include Saket, Prabhat, Sita, Kanak, and Swarna Sab-I.

Types of Rice Grown in Bihar

• Aghani Rice (Paddy): This variety is grown on over 80% of the rice-producing area, primarily in the Gandak-Kosi Doab region, due to the implanted method of rice cultivation.
• Garama Paddy: Covering about 3% of the rice-growing area, Garama Paddy requires well-irrigated conditions.
• Boro Paddy: This variety is grown on less than 2% of the rice-producing area, mainly in the Purnia, East Champaran, and West Champaran districts, and also requires good irrigation.

Wheat

• Wheat is the second most important cereal crop in Bihar, covering about 29% of the total cultivable land.
• It is a Rabi crop, sown in November-December and harvested in March-April.
• Wheat thrives in sandy loam soil with good moisture retention and requires less rainfall and a temperate climate.
• Leading producers include Rohtas, East Champaran, and Buxar districts.
• Bihar ranks 6th in wheat production in India, and the state has seen increased production due to the Green Revolution, which introduced High Yielding Varieties (HYVs), chemical fertilizers, and improved irrigation methods.
• Important wheat varieties in Bihar include C-306, K-9107, HD-2824, etc.

Maize

• Maize, also known as corn, is the third most important crop in Bihar, following rice and wheat.
• It is a Kharif crop, meaning it is sown in the monsoon season, and it thrives in light and clayey soils.
• Key maize-producing regions in Bihar include the South-West areas of Burhi Gandak, Saran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Vaishali, Samastipur, as well as East and West Champaran, Saharsa, and Supaul districts.
• Leading producers of maize in the state are Katihar, Khagaria, and Samastipur districts.
• In the 2017-18 agricultural year, maize production in Bihar was approximately 3,120,770 tonnes.
• Bihar has received the ‘Krishi Karaman Award’ for its maize production, with the state being recognized for its significant contributions to maize cultivation in 2016.

Barley

• Barley is one of the oldest agricultural crops in Bihar and is a Rabi crop, typically sown in October-November.
• Growing Conditions : Barley thrives in regions with lower rainfall and warmer climates. It is more nutritious than wheat and is often grown as a mixed crop.
• Cultivation Areas : The production of barley is highest in East Champaran and West Champaran districts. Other significant producing districts include Gopalganj, Siwan, Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur. Bihar ranks as the 8th largest producer of barley in India.
• Varieties : Some of the important varieties of barley include K-125, Ratna, Jyoti, and Azad.
• Production Data : According to the Economic Survey 2018-19, barley production in 2017-18 was 16.67 thousand tonnes.

Major Pulse Crops in Bihar

Bihar is known for producing a variety of pulses, which are an essential part of the state's agriculture. Here are some of the major pulse crops:

Gram (Chickpeas)

• Importance : Gram is a significant Rabi pulse crop in Bihar, ranking second after wheat in importance.
• Soil Requirements : Gram thrives in Kewal and alluvial soils.
• Major Producing Districts : Rohtas, Kaimur, Bhojpur, Nalanda, Munger, Bhagalpur, Patna, and others.
• Production Data : In 2017-18, gram production was 67.18 thousand tonnes.
• Varieties : Some popular varieties include Pusa-256, Rajendra Chana, and BR-72.

Arhar (Pigeon Peas)

• Soil Requirements : Arhar is grown in less fertile soils.
• Growing Season : It is sown with Kharif crops and harvested with Rabi crops.
• Major Producing Districts : Gopalganj, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, and Sitamarhi.
• Irrigation and Fertilizer Needs : Arhar does not require irrigation or fertilizers.
• Area Under Cultivation : Grown over 83,000 hectares of land in Bihar.
• Production Data : In 2017-18, arhar production was 28.63 thousand tonnes.

Khesari (Grass Pea)

• Importance : While Khesari is less important among pulses, it is significant in terms of production in Bihar.
• Production Data : In 2017-18, khesari production was 50.31 thousand tonnes.
• Major Producing Regions : Diara land of the Ganga, Tal region, Jalla region, and Kosi river basin.

Green Gram (Moong)

• Growing Season : Sown after the harvest of wheat and before the sowing of rice.
• Major Producing Districts : Munger, Sheikhpura, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Supaul, Purnea, and others.
• Production Data : In 2017-18, green gram production was 120.19 thousand tonnes.

Ragi (Finger Millet)

• Importance : Ragi is an important coarse grain and is a Bhadai crop that requires less water to grow.
• Soil Requirements : Grown in sandy soil.
• Crop Rotation : Rice can be sown after harvesting ragi.
• Major Producing Districts : Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Vaishali, Gopalganj, Siwan, and Saran.
• Production Data : In 2017-18, ragi production was 98.49 thousand tonnes.

Masoor (Lentils)

• Importance : Masoor is a significant pulse crop in Bihar, grown during the Rabi season.
• Major Producing Districts : Patna is the chief producer, with other important districts being Nalanda, Gaya, Jehanabad, Munger, and Aurangabad.

Major Oilseeds in Bihar

Oilseeds are both food and cash crops in Bihar. The important oilseeds include:

Linseed (Tisi)

• Linseed thrives in deep, moist, and clayey soil. In Bihar, it is primarily cultivated in the Patna, Tirhut, and Bhagalpur divisions.
• The Saran and Gaya districts are the leading producers of linseed, with Darbhanga district achieving the highest productivity per hectare.
• According to the Economic Survey of 2018-19, linseed production in 2017-18 was 10.31 thousand tonnes.

Rapeseed and Mustard

• Rapeseed and mustard hold significant importance among oilseeds in Bihar, with their oil predominantly used for edible purposes.
• These crops are cultivated in every district of Bihar, although they are primarily grown in the plain regions.
• Notable districts for mustard cultivation include Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Patna, while Purnea district boasts the highest productivity per hectare.
• The Economic Survey of 2018-19 reported rapeseed and mustard production in 2017-18 at 98.49 thousand tonnes.

Sesame Seeds

• Sesame seeds are a vital oilseed in Bihar, used both as an edible product and in cosmetic items.
• The state produces both black and white sesame seeds, with Supaul district leading in production. Other significant producing districts include Gaya, East Champaran, and Buxar.
• The Economic Survey of 2018-19 indicated sesame seed production in 2017-18 at 1.38 thousand tonnes.

Castor Seed

• Castor seeds are utilized as fuel, in smoothing agents, and in the soap industry. They are grown in almost every district of Bihar, primarily on less fertile and rough land.
• Major producing districts include Bhagalpur, Munger, Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Purnea, and Saran.
• The Economic Survey of 2018-19 reported castor seed production in 2017-18 at 0.02 thousand tonnes.