Bihar Government embraces Drone Technology for Fisheries sector growth

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The Bihar government has launched a new initiative incorporating drone technology to revolutionize its fisheries sector. The program, which aims to enhance fish farming practices, was inaugurated on Saturday, signaling a significant step toward modernizing the agricultural sector in the state.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha, Union Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh (also known as Lalan Singh), and Bihar’s Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Renu Devi were present at the event. The presence of these key leaders underscored the importance of this initiative for Bihar’s future.

In his address, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his gratitude to the central government for its support and highlighted the transformative potential of drone technology. “Before 2005, the situation was dire, and no work had been done. When we came to power, we initiated all the schemes and ended the Hindu-Muslim discord,” he said.

Nitish Kumar stressed the progress made since 2008 when the first agricultural roadmap was introduced. “With proper studies, Bihar’s name was not only recognised within the country but also abroad. With improvements, the production of eggs and fish has increased significantly.”

The Chief Minister revealed that since his government came into power, Bihar’s fish production has grown substantially. In 2005, the state produced just 2 lakh metric tonnes of fish, but that number has now surpassed 8 lakh metric tonnes. “Earlier, we had to import fish, but now Bihar exports fish to other states,” he proudly stated.

Kumar also thanked the central government for providing Rs80 crore in assistance since 2022, emphasizing the improved cooperation between the state and central governments. He remarked, “In the past, no proper work was done,” referring to the conditions before 2005. He commended Lalan Singh for organizing the event and reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration. “Now, I won’t go anywhere; I have an old relationship with them, and it will continue,” he said.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh also addressed the gathering, pointing out the deep involvement of the people of Bihar in fish farming. “Nearly 60 lakh people are involved in fish farming in Bihar. Before 2005, during the tenure of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the work was only superficial, but after 2005, real work started,” he stated.

Singh further explained that before 2005, the budget for the fisheries department stood at a mere Rs2.87 crore. By 2022, however, it had surged to Rs524 crore, reflecting the growing focus on this sector. He credited the Chief Minister for sending farmers to different states for training, which resulted in a four-fold increase in agricultural productivity. “The central and state governments will work together in the state’s interest,” he added.