**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 389 on agricultural research in Bihar, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare confirms the implementation of an action plan under the Union Government's Special Package for Bihar, initiated in 2015. The package includes two key projects: (1) Upgradation of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, to a Central Agricultural University, and (2) Establishment of a National Research Centre on Integrated Farming System in Motihari, Bihar.
The Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016, was enacted, granting the institution national importance under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE). The university conducts research, education, and extension activities across agriculture and allied sectors through its eight colleges. Since 2015-16, the university has been allocated Rs. 1492.23 crores.
The ICAR-Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (MGIFRI) in Motihari, Bihar, was approved on July 20, 2015, with an initial outlay of Rs. 30.00 crores. It has been established with the necessary infrastructure and personnel and focuses on agricultural research related to Integrated Farming Systems. Since 2015-16, MGIFRI has been allocated Rs. 68.94 crores.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for agricultural research and education.
Bihar: A state in eastern India, the focus of the agricultural research initiatives discussed in the document.
Special Package Scheme: A Union Government initiative providing financial support for agricultural development in specific regions, including Bihar.
Honble Prime Ministers Package for Bihar2015: A specific package announced by the Prime Minister of India in 2015, allocating funds for projects in Bihar, including agricultural research.
Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa Bihar: An agricultural university in Pusa, Bihar, which was upgraded to a Central Agricultural University.
National Research Centre on Integrated Farming System, Motihari, Bihar: A research center located in Motihari, Bihar, focused on integrated farming systems.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016: The act that formalized the upgrade of Rajendra Agricultural University to a central university.
ICAR-Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute MGIFRI, Motihari, Bihar: An institute established in Motihari, Bihar, dedicated to agricultural research on integrated farming systems, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
OIH
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 389
TO BE ANSWERED ON 22ND JULY, 2025
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN BIHAR
389. SMT. LOVELY ANAND:
SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृषि और ककसान
कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:
(a) whether any action plan is being implemented for agricultural research in Bihar
under the Special Package Scheme of the Union Government;
(b) if so, the details of such schemes, their current status and the amount spent on all
such projects so far; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
कृषि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)
(a) to (c): The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Package for Bihar-2015 included following two
project/schemes related to Agricultural research:
(i) Upgradation of Rajendra Agricultural University Pusa (Bihar) to the level of
Central Agricultural University.
(ii) National Research Centre on Integrated Farming System, Motihari, Bihar.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act, 2016 was notified in Gazette
of India on 28/05/2016. The Institution is of National importance under Department of
Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and is imparting Research, Education and
Extension on Agriculture and allied sectors including fisheries, basic, humanities and
community sciences, agribusiness and forestry through 08 colleges. Since 2015-16, an
amount of Rs. 1492.23 crores have been allocated to the University.
• ICAR-Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (MGIFRI), Motihari,
Bihar was approved on 20th July 2015 with an outlay of Rs. 30.00 crores and accordingly
established with desired infrastructure and manpower. The Institute is imparting
agricultural research on Integrated Farming System. Since 2015-16, an amount of Rs.
68.94 crores have been allocated to the Institute.
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