Bihar’s Initial Hurdle: Setback in the Black Rice Experiment
Published on: March 4, 2024.
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Gaya (Bihar): The success of black rice cultivation in Assam’s Goalpara district has inspired some farmers in Bihar to take up this unique variety. However, their attempts to rise above poverty by experimenting with something new have had the opposite effect. Despite facing difficulties in finding buyers and a lack of government support, farmers in Bihar are increasingly attracted to the potential profits black rice production can bring.
Chandan Kumar, a farmer from Gaya, obtained black rice seeds from Nagaland two years ago and encouraged other farmers to grow it. However, due to a lack of knowledge about cultivation techniques, improper use of urea fertilizer, and a limited market for black rice in Bihar, the farmers faced challenges and struggled to sell their produce.
Black rice is known for its nutritional benefits and high protein content. It contains anthocyanins, antioxidants, vitamin E, and is recommended for diabetes patients due to its low glycemic index. Despite these benefits, the Bihar government has not made any efforts to promote black rice cultivation, focusing instead on varieties of maize, wheat, and horticulture.
The lack of knowledge and awareness about black rice among Bihar’s farmers hinders the expansion of production. In contrast, Assam’s successful black rice production is supported by the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project, which has led to the formation of a black rice production committee and exports to various countries. The efforts of the farmers in Assam have been recognized by the government, unlike in Bihar.
Officials from the Bihar agriculture department acknowledge the lack of an incentive scheme and market demand for black rice. They state that there are no immediate plans to purchase black rice from farmers. The district agriculture officer in Gaya believes that the challenges faced by farmers in selling their produce will deter them from cultivating black rice again.
Overall, while black rice holds great potential for farmers in Bihar, there is a need for government support, knowledge-sharing, and market development to ensure its success and economic prosperity for the farmers.
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