ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

.I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and deep
regard to him for his exemplary guidance, valuable feedback and constant
encouragement throughout the duration of the project.

His valuable I am highly elated to have worked on my research topic Problem of

Farmers in Bihar under the guidelines of DR. SANGEET KUMAR, (Faculty of
Sociology). I am very grateful to him for his proper guidance. His suggestions were
of immense help throughout my project work.

His perceptive criticism kept me working to make this project in a much better way.
Working under him was an extremely knowledgeable experience for me.

I would also like to thank all my friends and my seniors. Apart from all these I would
like to give special regard to the librarian of my university who made a relevant
effort regarding to provide the materials to my topic and also assisting me.

1. INTRODUCTION1

1
2. Bihar, located in the eastern part of India has a glorious and eventful historical and cultural
past. It has been the cradle of two great religions Buddhism and Jainism. Gautam Buddha
attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya in Bihar and Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism
was born and attained nirvana (salvation-death) here. The first seeds of democracy ware
sown in the republic of Vaishali in North Bihar, Ashoka, the Great had the seat of Mauryan
empire in Pataliputra, the present capital Patna. It was from here that he spread the message
of peace and non- violence even beyond the borders of his empire. The tenets of governance
that he caused to be inscribed on massive stone pillars are even today testimony to his
vision and concern for the well-being of general masses. Nalanda University flourished
some 2 millennia back and was among the first seats of learning to which flocked students
and scholars from other countries as well. The famous Chinese traveller and scholar, Hieun
Tsang stayed here. In more recent times, Mahatma Gandhis peaceful agitation against the
oppression of indigo farmers by planters of foreign origin demonstrated the potential of
non-violence and civil disobedience as a potent tool which Gandhi marshalled successfully
to win independence for India in 1947. Bihar today is the third largest State in India in
terms of population with 83 million inhabitants (2001 census). It accounts for 8 per cent of
Indias total population on only 3 per cent of the countrys geographical area, with the
density of population at 880 persons per sq km, one of the highest in India. With 42 per
cent of population living below poverty line and 47 percent literacy level, Bihar poses
enormous development challenges. Bihars economy is primarily rural; some 90 per cent
of population resides in rural area. About 90 per cent of farm households own less than one
hectare of land and average size of farm is 0.37 hectare which is among of the lowest in
India. Agriculture contributes one-third to the state domestic product but provides
employment to more than three-fourth of working force of the state. The intensity of
cropping is about 142. Rice and wheat are dominant crops which together cover 70 per cent
of gross cropped area in the state. The productivity of these principal crops is currently
below the national averages but there is tremendous untapped potential. Irrigated area is
about 60 percent but intensity of irrigation (132) is much lower than some other major
states of the country. The state, however, has favourable agro-climatic environment for
production of various crops round the year. Soil of the state is most fertile with favorable
pH (potenz Hydrogen) and organic matter. Annual average rainfall varies from 1115 mm
to 1450 mm in different agro-climatic zones. Water table is very high; in some areas it is
less than one meter in rainy season. Rice, maize, vegetables, and sesamum are grown round
the year during the 3 main cropping seasons, kharif (fall), Rabi (winter) and zaid (summer).
Per hectare winter maize productivity (70 qts/ha) is higher than the corresponding world
average (43 qts/ha). Rice and wheat productivity in some area of the states is more than the
corresponding national average, thus, pointing to tremendous agricultural potential of the
state. The Union and Provincial governments are implementing several programmes to
boost agricultural production. Farmers in Bihar, as elsewhere in the world, are constrained
by several handicaps, Due to pressure on land, high rate of illiteracy, fragile ecosystem,
recurrent floods, waterlogging, weak institutional and physical infrastructure, farmers are
yet to reap the full benefits of their labour. With a view to addressing these problems in an
integrated manner, the Govt. of Bihar constituted the Rajya Kisan Ayog (State Farmers
Commission) in July 2006. This is the first time after independence (1947) that the State
Government has set up a Farmers Commission in Bihar. This signals Governments
unequivocal commitment to bringing about a radical improvement in the income and
welfare of the farmers. The Commission is headed by Mr Ramadhar, a senior civil servant
with long national and international experience in the field of food and agriculture Mr.
Ramadhar was Indias Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) of
the United Nation in Rome (1978-82) and later served FAO for 15 years as an international
civil servant. His background is attached. Bihar Farmers Commission has been entrusted
with the task of studying and analysing the problems of Bihar farmers and of suggesting
suitable measures to redress these problems. Seeking ways of enhancing the income and
welfare of the farmers is the basic goal of the Commission. In this task, the Commission is
seeking the support of all concerned and carrying out wide-ranging consultations with all
the stakeholders- farmers, their organizations, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs),
private sector, State and Central agricultural research, education and developmental
organizations and institutions. The Farmers Commission has a farmer-centric approach.
Direct interaction with the farmers is top priority. Visits by the farmers with their problems
to the Commissions Headquarters are a daily affair. After listening to their problems, the
Commission takes the initiative to get these problems redressed by the concerned officials.
Field visits by the Chairman and discussions with the farmers in their own surroundings
ensure that the perception and findings of the Commission are rooted in the grassroots
realities. Among the major problems that farmers in Bihar face and which the Commission
has identified for detailed study and analysis, the main ones are: non-availability of critical
agricultural inputs (fertilizers, seeds and pesticides), hassle in obtaining loan from
institutional sources, lack of assured irrigation, non-coverage of crops by insurance,
unremunerative prices of farm produce, lack of marketing, value addition and processing
facilities, absence of awareness among farmers of Governments programmes and of the
modern and improved agricultural technology. Some other issues which have important
implications in enhancing agricultural productivity and income and welfare of farmers and
which the Commission has identified for study in depth include an assessment of the
conditions of different categories of farmers (including small and marginal farmers)in
various agro-climatic conditions, rational and sustainable soil and water management, an
integrated crop (including horticulture) livestock- fish farming system and a synergy
between agriculture and allied sectors, harnessing information technology in agriculture to
make farming knowledge-based and skill-based, measures for stepping up investments in
agriculture and related activities and promoting public-private partnership in agricultural
enterprises, scope for enhancing on-farm and off-farm employment opportunities for
farmers including farm youth and rural women and an examination of land tenure and land
ownership systems that have implications for farm productivity and rural incomes. The
Commission, at the request of the state Government, has already submitted a report on
future agricultural marketing set up. The studies on agricultural insurance, agricultural
credit, generation and diffusion of farm technology and hassle-free availability of
agricultural inputs (fertilizers, seeds and pesticides) are currently in progress and
preparations are underway to launch studies on other topics. Working papers on following
issues having profound implications for farmers income have already been prepared and
have also featured in media: Analysis of area, production, productivity, and availability
of pulses to the consumers and their related problems. Bihar state has comparative
advantage due to favorable agro-climatic condition for pulses production. Scope of Litchi
(Litchi chinensis) production, productivity and processing in Bihar Bihar produces three
fourth of total Litchi production of the country. A study on food security in Bihar has
already been initiated. Data have been collected and are being analysed. An effort is being
 made to analyse the per capita food grain availability including it past trends and future
potential.

Bihar lies in the river plains of the basin of the river Ganga. It is endowed with fertile alluvial soil
with abundant water resources, especially ground water resources. This makes the agriculture of
Bihar rich and diverse. Rice, wheat, and maize are the major cereal crops. Arhar, urad, moong,
gram, pea, lentils, and khesaria are some of the pulse cultivated in Bihar. Bihar is the largest
producer of vegetables, which is dominated by potato, onion, eggplant, and cauliflower. In fruit
cultivation, it is the largest producer of lychee and the third largest producer of pineapple, as well
as a major producer of mango, banana, and guava. Sugar cane and jute are two other major cash
crops of Bihar.

The land of Bihar is very fertile. There is a balanced source of rainfall and groundwater available
to the farmers. But still the ratio of production of crops to the land is very poor. We dont have
enough production in spite of such a large population engaged in in the agricultural fields. If we
consider the land in which agricultural activities are going on, its still more than enough. Then
where we fail ? What are the basic problems regarding low production ? Things does not settle
here, there is such a high rate of commission of suicide by the farmers at the national level. Various
reasons have been offered to explain why farmers commit suicide in India, including: floods,
drought, debt, use of genetically modified seed, public health,usage of lower quantity of pesticides
due to less investments produce a decreased yield and also government economic policies. There
is no consensus on what the main causes might be but studies show suicide victims are motivated
by more than one cause, on average three or more causes for committing suicide. Panagariya states,
"farm-related reasons get cited only approximately 25 percent of the time as reasons for suicide"
and "studies do consistently show greater debt burden and greater reliance on informal sources of
credit" amongst farmers who commit suicide.

Apart from this, there are some natural causes also, which adds to the problems of farmers. Natural
calamities like Flood, Droughts, these calamities break farmers from the deep inside of the heart.
As much as 79.5% of India's farmland relies on flooding during monsoon season, so inadequate
rainfall can cause droughts, making crop failure more common. In regions that have experienced
droughts, crop yields have declined, and food for cattle has become scarcer.

2
The rainfall in Bihar is largely due to the south-west monsoon, which accounts for around 85%
of total rainfall in the state. The other sources (winter rain, hot-weather rain, and the north-west
monsoon) account for the remaining 15%. The average normal rainfall in the state is more or less
adequate for its agricultural operations. However, year-to-year changes lead to drought or flood,
causing extensive damage to the crop production and the overall income of the state.
3
Rice is cultivated in all districts of Bihar. Autumn rice, aghani rice, and summer rice are three
different varieties of rice grown at three different times of the year. The average production of rice
is around 5 million tonnes each year. Some five decades back, wheat cultivation was very
restricted in Bihar. After green revolution success, wheat was planted by Bihari farmers on a larger
scale, and wheat now occupies the status of major crop of the Rabi (spring) season. The average
annual wheat production is approximately 4-4.5 million tonnes. Maize is also cultivated, with an
average annual production level of approximately 1.5 million tonnes and a steady positive trend in
production. The leading producer districts are Khagaria and Saharsa. Pulses such as moong, arhar,
peas, and khesari are grown, more in southern than in northern Bihar. The leading districts are
Patna, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, and Nalanda.

4
It is a sad story that almost 100 per cent of the gross cropped area in the districts of Araria,
Muzaffarpur, Sheohar and 50 to 75 per cent area in Begusarai, Katihar, Sheikhpura and Sitamarhi
is flood prone. It has been estimated that during the kharif season, about 23 per cent of paddy area
remains waterlogged where the adoption of modern technology is either nil or low and
consequently the crop yields are low. 16. Similarly, there are frequent occurrences of drought in
the districts of Munger, Nawada, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Aurangabad and Gaya.

2
http://india.gov.in/topics/agriculture
3
http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/secsocscicour/english/lesson-12.pdf
4
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/11th/11_v3/11v3_ch1.pdf
 ----- AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF CHAPRA DISTRICT

5
Agriculture is at the core of Bihars economy. The contribution of agriculture and its allied sector
to the state domestic product was 40 per cent in 2003-04. Although this is a reduction from 48.5
per cent in 1980, it remains amongst the highest in the county. 19. During 1980 - 1992, Bihars
agriculture and allied sector grew at 1.6 per cent per annum, compared with the national average
of 3.1 per cent. In fact it was the lowest among most of the states. However, since 1993, growth in
Bihars agricultural GSDP has accelerated. While the all India agricultural GDP grew at 2.2 per
cent per annum between 1993 and 2003, the corresponding figure for Bihar was 2.7 per cent which
was next only to West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

5
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The researcher intends to:

I. Gain basic idea about the way of livings of the Farmers.

II. Know about the situation of farmers in the society and the importance of a farmer

In keeping a healthy social order.

III. Know about problems, which the farmers are facing in fulfilment of his job.

IV. Know & suggest some remedial measures regarding the condition of farmers

RESEARCH QUESTION

I. What is the economic status of farmers in our nation?

II. What is the social status of the farmer in our nation?

II. What is the land production ratio of different crops in Bihar?

III. What are the basic problems, farmers face in their day to day life?

IV. What are the facilities given by government to farmers during the time of natural

Calamities?

V. What are the remedial measures, which can help the farmers to improve their status?

HYPOTHESIS

The researcher thinks that the status of farmers in Bihar is not very good. In spite of the sufficient
amount of land, farmers have not been able to utilize the land and have not been able to have
optimum production. The researcher also thinks that we are lacking behind from the farmers of
other countries regarding the use of technology, the tools, the machines, they use.
LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

As The Researcher is the student of the first year, he dont have enough time and position to
analyse every big data. Researcher have only 45 days, and have resource limitation. So the
researcher cannot go beyond some geographical limitations. Hence the researcher is confining
himself to a specific location only.

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

By going through some doctrinal research, the researcher thinks that there are some fundamental
problems, and these problems are stick to them from the cutting edge level. The researcher have
to go through a detailed study of the condition, livelihood, economic and social structure of the
Chapra district of Bihar.

6
Agriculture needs continuous infusion of innovations and technology in ensuring food security,
and poverty reduction. Socio Economic and caste census 2011, released in 2015 indicates that
Agriculture is still the backbone of rural India. Agriculture is critical for those living below poverty
line as there is a uncertainty of income from harvesting point of view. According to the World
Bank, gross domestic product growth in agriculture raises the incomes of poorest households by
at least 2.5 times. One of the major concerns is that there is a constant decline in profit from most
of the crops. This is a main cause of alienation of people from agriculture. There are other factors
which shade gloom over the agricultural community. The prices of the agricultural commodities
are not increasing in tune with the increase in cost inputs such as the labour, fertilizers etc. also
there is a shortage of high quality seeds consequently decline in agricultural production.
Inefficiency in irrigation, lack of mechanization, soil erosion, degradation in soil health, post
harvest losses in crops, lack of storage facility and inefficiency in agricultural marketing are some
challenges before Indian agriculture.7 Even from the red fort on 69th Independence day , our Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi said we need to increase our agricultural productivity. He said Save

6
From article on innovations and new technologies needed to accelerate agricultural growth by Dr. Harender Raj
Gautam
7
From speech given by PM NARENDRA MODI on 69th
Energy, Save water, Save fertilizers should be our motto. 8Agriculture and allied sectors accounted
for 13.7 %of the GDP in 2013 and near about sixty percent of our population depends on this
sector. All this facts reveals that agriculture plays a significant role in the overall socio- economic
development of India. India exported $39 billion worth of the agricultural products in 2013 making
it the seventh largest exporter of agricultural products worldwide but in spite of that economic
contribution of agriculture contribution to Indias GDP it is declining which shows that there is a
gap in achieving the desired output by agriculture sector. Agricultural production depends on land,
labour and capital availability. So first of all the land must be suitable for production. So it is
9
important that the factors disturbing land fertility must be stopped. Soil conservation is also
important because nearly 80 million hectares area is exposed to threat of soil erosion and 43 million
hectare area is actually is affected. In the states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, up to 15 % of the total land suffers from soil erosion. It is reported that the annual loss of
fertility by erosion is 20 times faster than what is lost by growing crops. Each year more than
10,000 hectares of land is exposed to erosion. Soil erosion causes undesirable changes in physical
characteristics of the soil and damages plant and crops which directly cause less crop production
in India. Soil erosion is through shifting cultivation, deserts and water logging, severe landslides
and floods, cutting of trees for firewood, for construction of roads etc. wind erosion also causes
expansion of deserts, dust, storms and destruction of crops. Excessive soil erosion, high rate of
sedimentation in the reservoirs and decreased fertility has become major environmental problems
and disastrous. Agriculture is also the source of the raw materials to some industries such as
Cotton and Textiles, Sugar industries and flour mills. There are many other industries which
depend on agriculture in a indirect manner. Many of small-scale industries and cottage industries
like handloom weaving, oil crushing, rice husking depend upon the agriculture for their raw
materials. Agriculture also plays an important role in international trade. Agricultural product such
as tea, coffee, oilseeds, tobacco, spices constitute main export items from India.

10
On the eve of first five year plan agriculture was a hopeless and deplorable condition. Our
farmers were heavy debt to the village money lenders. They were having small and scattered
holdings. They had neither the money nor the knowledge to use proper equipment, good seeds and
chemical fertilizers. Productivity of land as well as labours was low and probably lowest in the

8
From article on land and water conservation: need of the hour written by Rajdev Panwar
9
From article on land and water conservation: need of the hour written by Rajdev Panwar
10
Book Indian economy by Ruddar datt and K.P.M. sundharam
world. In spite of the fact that 70% of the population was engaged in agriculture, India was not
self sufficient in food grains and had to depend on others for food grains. Also the partition had its
impact on India as India was allotted more people but less land to support. So planning commission
had kept mainly four points in mind while planning to develop agriculture. Increase agricultural
production, Increase employment opportunities. Reduce the inequality in incomes of rural sector
and reduce the pressure of population on land. To increase the production in agricultural sector
and also increase in rural employment , the five year plans use various programmes such as setting
up of the community development programmes and agricultural extension services throughout the
country, expansion of irrigation facilities, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural machinery, high
yielding variety of seeds and expansion of transportation, power, marketing and of institutional
credit. To reduce the pressure of population on land, the strategy used by planning commission
was rural development i.e. set up of agro based industries and handicrafts in rural areas, to promote
rural transport and to encourage people to move from agriculture to industries and service sectors.
To bring equality and justice in rural India, the strategy used by planning commission was land
reforms which included the removal of intermediaries like the Zamindars, the protection of tenants
through tenancy legislation, ceiling of land holdings and distribution of surplus land among
landless labourers and small and marginal farmers.
11
Green Revolution in India was a period during which agriculture in India increased its yields
due to improved agronomic technology. India overcame chronic food shortage. The "revolution"
began in the 1960s, but it's confirmed that it began in 1953 through the introduction of high-yield
crop varieties and application of modern agricultural techniques, and led to an increase in food
production in India. The main development was higher-yielding varieties of wheat, which were
developed by many scientists, including American agronomist Dr. Norman Borlaug, Indian
geneticist M. S. Swaminathan.
The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and the increased use of
chemical fertilizers and irrigation led to the increase in production needed to make India self-
sufficient in food grains, thus improving agriculture in India. The methods adopted included the
use of high yielding varieties (HYV)of seeds along with the use of modern farming methods.

The production of wheat has produced the best results in fueling self-sufficiency of India. Along
with high yielding seeds and irrigation facilities, the enthusiasm of farmers mobilized the idea of
agricultural revolution. Due to the rise in use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers there were
negative effects on the soil and the land such as land degradation. Use of High Yielding Varieties
(HYV) of seeds, Irrigation, Use of insecticides, Use of pesticides, consolidation of holdings, Land
reforms, Use of chemical fertilizers, Use of sprinklers or drip irrigation, Use of advanced
machinery .

11
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution_in_India
The well irrigated and permanently irrigated area was only 17% in 1951. The majority part of area
was dependent on rainfall and, consequently, agriculture suffered from low level of production.
The green revolution was possible due to adequate water supply through irrigation. The
government undertook a number of minor, major and multipurpose irrigation projects to supply
sufficient water to cultivable lands so that the dependence of farmers on rainfall reduce to great
extents. The government also made provisions for digging canals hand pumps etc. for adequate
and more water supplies. Public sector spending on irrigation, rural infrastructure (storage, post-
harvest and connectivity) and credit availability are the key inventions which encouraged farmers
to invest in newer technologies as his returns would be better. Due to the traditional agricultural
practices, low productivity, and to feed growing population, often food grains were imported that
drained away scarce foreign reserves. It was thought that with the increased production due to the
Green Revolution, government can maintain buffer stock anssssssssssssssssssssss India can
achieve self-sufficiency and self-reliability.
Agriculture was basically for subsistence and, therefore, less amount of agricultural product was
offered for sale in the market. Hence, the need was felt to encourage the farmers to increase their
production and offer a greater portion of their products for sale in the market. The new methods in
agriculture increased the yield of rice and wheat, which reduced India's dependence on food
imports.
49% of people in India are employed in agriculture. Famines in India were very frequent during
the period 1940s to 1970s. Due to faulty distribution of food, and because farmers did not receive
the true value for their labour, the majority of the population did not get enough food. Malnutrition
and starvation was a huge problem.
RESEARCH AREA

The researcher is doing research on The problems of farmers in Bihar, and the researchers area
in Ram Nagar village of the Chapra district of Bihar .

RESARCH METHODOLOGY

Researcher tends to collect information and data from books in the library and internet as well.
To take guidance from our professor in order to do a good research work.

SOURCES OF DATA

Primary sources of data- Case laws, statues, legal field

Secondary sources of data - books and journals

TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION

I. List of questions

II. Schedule questions and questionnaire

III. camera

IV. sound recorder

 FARMING IN BIHAR: A BACKGROUND
12
Bihar is a land-locked state situated on the eastern part of India. It is situated between 830-30 to
880-00 longitude and 210-58 to 270-31 latitude. The state is roughly quadrilateral in shape
situated on the north east side of India. It share international border with Nepal in its north, Uttar
Pradesh on its west, West Bengal in the east and newly carved state of Jharkhand on its south.
The state is divided by river Ganga into two parts, the North Bihar with an area of 53.3 thousand
sq. km. and the South Bihar having an area of 40.9 thousand sq. km. Bihar has 14 river basins
namely ; (I) Ghaghara , (ii) Gandak , (iii) Burhi Gandak , (iv) Bagmati , (v) KamlaBalan , (vi)
Kosi , (vii) Mahananda , (viii) Karmnasa , (ix) Sone (x) Punpun , (xi) Kiul-harhar , (xii)Badua ,
(xiii) Chandan , and (xiv) the main Ganga stem . All these rivers drain into the mainGanga stem.
Agriculture is the backbone of Bihars economy, employing 81% of the workforce and generating
nearly 42% of the State Domestic Product. The State with geographical area of about 94.2 thousand
sq. km., has the natural endowment of fertile soil, good rainfall, plenty of water resources, and
agro-climatic conditions suitable for growing three crops a year and almost all types of crops.
Agriculture is not only the source of livelihood but also it generates raw material for the agro based
industries which has immense potential in the state.
On the basis of soil characterization, rainfall, temperature, and terrain, Bihar is divided into three
main agro-climatic zones. These are: North West Alluvial Plains (Zone I), North East Alluvial
Plains (Zone II), South Bihar Alluvial Plains (Zone III).

ZONE I

This zone comprises the districts of West and East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran,
Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani, Begusarai, Seohar, Darbhanga and Samastipur with
an area of 32,665 square km. The average annual rainfall in Zone-I is 1234.7 mm. The lands of
this zone are alluvial plains that slope towards the South east direction with a very low gradient.
As a result, there are vast areas that get flooded and become water logged during monsoon. Except
for the northern portion and portion in west of the zone under the influence of Adhwara system of
rivers, the entire zone is under the influence of rivers Gandak, Burhi Gandak, and Ghaghra, all of
which originate in the lime rich foot hills of the Himalayas. Thus, the soils under the influence of
Gandak, Burhi Gandak, and Ghaghra are mostly calcareous having different amounts of like in
them.
The soils of the northern part, under the influence of Adhwara group of rivers, are neutral, acidic
or saline depending on the local physiographic.

12
From report on Bihars agricultural development by a task force of government of india
ZONE II

This zone comprises the districts of Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Arariya, Kishanganj
Madhepura and Khagaria covers 11.96% (20797.4 km2) of the total geographical area of
Bihar.The average annual rainfall in Zone II is 1382.2 mm.
This zone, the alluvial plains of Kosi, Mahananda and its tributaries and Ganga (narrow strip in
the South) is slightly undulating to rolling landscape mixed with long stretches of nearly flat
landscape with pockets of area having sub-normal relief. The area is full of steams with abandoned
or dead channels of river Kosi. Its frequent and sudden change of course has left small lakes and
shallow marshes. In the south, in between the natural levees of Ganga on the one hand and Kosi
and Mahananda on the other, there are vast areas, which remain waterlogged over a considerable
part of the year.
ZONE III
13
This zone is located in the south of the river Ganga and comprises the districts of
Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Shekhpura, Gaya, Aurangabad, Jahanabad,
Nawada, Arwal, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Buxar, Bhabhua, and Rohtash. The total geographical
area is 40,875.5 square km, which represents 25.75% of the total area of the State. The average
annual rainfall in Zone III is 1102.1 mm. This zone comprises of the alluvial plain of river Ganga
on its southern side and the plains of all those rivers that flow into Ganga from the south having
their origins in the Chotanagpur plateau. The rivers originating from Chotanagpur plateau bring a
lot of fine sediments. The courser sediments that they bring are either deposited in their beds or on
their bunds and as a
Consequence the soils are mostly medium to heavy textured throughout the depth of the
profile.The general land slope is towards north and east, with gentle slope and moderate to low
gradient. There are no marshy lands in the zone.

Every year, Bihar faces the vagaries of flood and water logging. Total flood prone area of the State
is 68.80 lakh hectares which is 73.06 percent of its total geographical area and 17.2 per cent of the
total flood prone area in the country. A substantial proportion of the total cropped area (nearly 41
per cent) gets frequently affected by floods. Flood situation is most severe in the northern plains
of Bihar. This is because almost all the major rivers in the State enter into Bihar from Nepal in this
region. It is a sad story that almost 100 per cent of the gross cropped area in the districts of Araria,
Muzaffarpur, Sheohar and 50 to 75 per cent area in Begusarai, Katihar, Sheikhpura and Sitamarhi
is flood prone. It has been estimated that during the kharif season, about 23 per cent of paddy area
remains waterlogged where the adoption of modern technology is either nil or low and
consequently the crop yields are low. Similarly, there are frequent occurrences of drought in the
districts of Munger, Nawada, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Aurangabad and Gaya.

During 1980 - 1992, Bihars agriculture and allied sector grew at 1.6 per cent per annum, compared
with the national average of 3.1 per cent. In fact it was the lowest among most of the states.
However, since 1993, growth in Bihars agricultural GSDP has accelerated. While the all- India
agricultural GDP grew at 2.2 per cent per annum between 1993 and 2003, the corresponding figure
for Bihar was 2.7 per cent.

Bihar also produces about 2.6 lakh tonnes of fish annually. There are about 2 lakh
Hectares of permanent water area and 1.2 lakh hectares of seasonal water area in the state. Per
hectare value of output of major crops in Bihar (Rs.3017) is
a shade lower than that of all India (Rs.3576). Rice and wheat are the major crops of Kharif and
Rabi seasons occupying nearly 3.7 and 2.1 million hectares respectively. In addition, maize is
cultivated in about 4-5 lakh ha during Kharif and Rabi seasons respectively.

13
From report on Bihars agricultural development by a task force of government of india
TENTATIVE CHAPTERISATION

I. Introduction

II. Review of literature

III. Historical background of the farmers in Bihar

IV. Legislative provisions regarding farmers

V. Field work and data analysis

VI. conclusion and suggestion

PROBLEMS OF FARMING SECTOR IN BIHAR

1. SMALL AND FRAGMENTED LAND HOLDINGS

14The problem of small and fragmented holdings is more serious in densely populated and

intensively cultivated states like Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar and eastern part of Uttar Pradesh

where the average size of land holdings is less than one hectare and in certain parts it is less than

even 0.5 hectare. The main reason for this sad state of affairs is our inheritance laws. The land

belonging to the father is equally distributed among his sons. This distribution of land does not
entail a collection or consolidated one, but its nature is fragmented.

Different tracts have different levels of fertility and are to be distributed accordingly. If there are

four tracts which are to be distributed between two sons, both the sons will get smaller plots of

each land tract. In this way the holdings become smaller and more fragmented with each passing

generation. Sub-division and fragmentation of the holdings is one of the main causes of our low

agricultural productivity and backward state of our agriculture. A lot of time and labour is wasted

in moving seeds, manure, implements and cattle from one piece of land to another.Irrigation

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becomes difficult on such small and fragmented fields. Further, a lot of fertile agricultural land is

wasted in providing boundaries. Under such circumstances, the farmer cannot concentrate on
improvement.

2. SEEDS
15
Seed is the basic input in agricultural production. Distribution of assured quality seed is as critical

as the production of such seeds. Unfortunately, good quality seeds are out of reach of the majority

of farmers, especially small and marginal farmers mainly because of exorbitant prices of better
seeds

High Yielding Variety Seeds programme (HYVs) was launched in 1966-67 as a major thrust plan

to increase the production of food grains in the country. The result is green revolution. The Indian

seed industry had exhibited impressive growth in the past and is expected to provide further

potential for growth in agricultural production: The role of seed industry is not only to produce

adequate quantity of quality seeds but also to achieve varietal diversity to suit various agro-climatic
zones of the country.

3. MANURES,FERTILIZERS AND BIOCIDES

Indian soils have been used for growing crops over thousands of years without caring much for

replenishing. This has led to depletion and exhaustion of soils resulting in their low productivity.

The average yields of almost all the crops are among t e lowest in the world. This is a serious

problem which can be solved by using more manures and fertilizers. Manures and fertilizers play

the same role in relation to soils as good food in relation to body. Just as a well-nourished body is

capable of doing any good job, a well nourished soil is capable of giving good yields. Pests, germs

and weeds cause heavy loss to crops which amounted to about one third of the total field produce

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solutions/20988/
at the time of Independence. Biocides (pesticides, herbicides and weedicides) are used to save the

crops and to avoid losses. The increased use of these inputs has saved a lot of crops, especially the

food crops from unnecessary wastage. But indiscriminate use of biocides has resulted in wide
spread environmental pollution which takes its own toll.

4. IRRIGATION
Irrigation is the most important agricultural input in a tropical monsoon country like India where

rainfall is uncertain, unreliable and erratic India cannot achieve sustained progress in agriculture

unless and until more than half of the cropped area is brought under assured irrigation. Most of our

Agriculture depends mainly on monsoon. If it is good then crop production is good and if it is bad

then crop production is bad. Punjab, Haryana and western part of Uttar Pradesh has progressed

rapidly in agricultural production. Irrigation is a factor responsible for it. Over half of the cropped
area is under irrigation.

5. LACK OF MECHANIZATION
In spite of the large scale mechanization of agriculture in some parts of the country, most of the

agricultural operations in larger parts are carried on by human hand using simple and conventional
tools and implements like wooden plough, sickle, etc.

Little or no use of machines is made in ploughing, sowing, irrigating, and pruning, weeding,

harvesting threshing and transporting the crops. This is specially the case with small and marginal

farmers. They do not have enough capital to buy machines. Machines make a work easier and also

work per capita also increases. We can take the example of T model car of Henry ford. Little or

no use of machines results in huge wastage of human labour and in low yields per capita labour
force.
7. SOIL EROSION
Large tracts of fertile land suffer from soil erosion by wind and water. This area must be properly

treated and restored to its original fertility. We must check this problem. It is a matter of serious
concern.

8. MARKETING
Marketing still continues to be in a bad shape especially in rural India. In the absence of sound

marketing facilities, the farmers have to depend upon local traders and middlemen for the disposal

of their farm produce which is sold at throw-away price (at very low price). In most cases, these

farmers are forced, under socio-economic conditions, to carry on distress sale of their produce. In

most of small villages, the farmers sell their produce to the money lender from whom they usually
borrow money. In order to meet his commitments and pay his debt, the poor farmer is forced to
sell the produce at whatever price is offered to him. The Rural Credit Survey Report rightly

remarked that the producers in general sell their produce at an unfavorable place and at an
unfavorable time and usually they get unfavorable terms .

9. LACK OF STORAGE FACILITY

Storage facilities in the rural areas are either totally absent or grossly inadequate. Under such

conditions the farmers are compelled to sell their produce immediately after the harvest at the

prevailing market prices which are bound to be low. Such distress sale deprives the farmers of

their legitimate income. The Parse Committee estimated the post-harvest losses at 9.3 per cent of

which nearly 6.6 per cent occurred due to poor storage conditions alone. Scientific storage is,
therefore, very essential to avoid losses and to benefit the farmers and the consumers alike.

At present there are number of agencies engaged in warehousing and storage activities. The Food

Corporation of India (F.C.I.), the Central Warehousing Corporation (C.W.C.) and State

Warehousing Corporation are among the principal agencies engaged in this task. These agencies
help in building up buffer stock, which can be used in the hour of need.

10. SCARCITY OF CAPITAL

Agriculture is an important industry and like all other industries it also requires capital. The role

of capital input is becoming more and more important with the advancement of farm technology.

Since the agriculturists capital is locked up in his lands and stocks, he is obliged to borrow money
for stimulating the tempo of agricultural production.

The main suppliers of money to the farmer are the money-lenders, traders and commission agents
who charge high rate of interest and purchase the agricultural produce at very low price.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
After going through the doctrinal and non-doctrinal research, the researcher came to the conclusion
that whatever the presumed about the conditions of the farmers in Bihar, they

are more or less true. They dont have enough knowledge and idea about the policies of

the government. They are still using the old model of farming. There should be a proper mechanism
so that farmer may get information about the present policies.

1. Consolidation of village lands and cooperative farming will ease the burden of fragmented
land holdings. When the farmers form a consortium at the village level, the aggregate land
can be farmed by using the latest technology.
2. Banks too will be willing to lend money to a village consortium which can be utilized to
boost farm productivity, employ sustainable farming methods, reduce over dependence
on fertilizers and thus solve many problems.
3. The overall risk of a crop failure is less in this case and small farmers have a higher chance
of earning a decent income at the end of the harvest season. Agricultural intensity also rises
when a planned strategy adopted at the village level is implemented.
4. Agricultural credit and farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers will continue
to be difficult unless pooling of farm resources and/or a joint usage of farm technology is
employed.
5. Irrigation problems can be addressed by Government preferably at the State and National
levels. Though the Government cannot force farmers to produce only the designated crops
in particular areas, it can surely educate them about the alternatives.
6. When proper techniques (in water management at the regional, state and national levels as
well as a crop plan of what to produce and where to produce) are employed, it will be a
win win situation for both the farmers as well as the country.
7. Irrigation problems as well as problems due to single/traditional crop dependence can be
solved by a national level plan for agricultural production. Government can encourage
farmers to shift to cash crops (oil seeds etc) instead of food crops in areas where food crops
are not at an advantage to reduce imports and also to boost exports.
8. Seed problems can be overcome by creating in house seed banks at the village level for
traditional crops (thereby reducing farmer dependence on external seed banks), selling
Government approved seeds through proper channels (to eradicate spurious seeds) and
strict penalties on seed marketing companies in case the seeds do not match the claims
germination and yield - of the companies. Terminator seeds should not be encouraged as a
matter of principle as they force farmers to buy seeds for every crop.
9. Scientific research in this subject is to be encouraged to promote seeds which are mild on
resource requirements but help the farmers in boosting the yields.
10. Sometimes small innovations at the grass root levels can solve a host of problems specific
to a particular region. District agricultural officers must make it a habit to encourage such
ideas and also take part in knowledge sharing to implement the ideas at a regional level.
11. Some sustainability solutions are proper crop management on the basis of water
availability, crop rotation, deploying modern agricultural practices to boost productivity,
switching over to organic farming (village pools will reduce costs), thrust on allied
activities.
12. Organic farming reduces the unnecessary usage of artificial fertilizers, reduces water
consumption, strikes a good balance between the local environment and the farm output,
helps the land retain its fertility for a long time, reduces costs in the long run and also with
the creation of a proper market in the towns and cities establishes a virtuous cycle between
consumers and farmers.
13. Storage facilities can be boosted by small cold storage or granaries at village level which
can be established from Panchayat funds and loans to the village society (this eliminates
dumping of excess crops in the market yard).
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
SECTION A

1. NAME OF THE RESPONDANT- CHANDEEP MAHTO

2. AGE - 46

3. GENDER - MALE

4. EDUCATION - MATRIC

5. OCCUPATION - AGRICULTURE

6. FAMILY SIZE 07 (WIFE, 2 SON, 3 DAUGHTER)

7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE BINTOLI, RATANPURA, CHAPRA

SECTION B

I. What are the economic condition of the family ?

--- The economic condition of the family is very poor. They were hardly being able to
Fulfil their basic needs.
II. What are the social status of the families of the farmers.

----They were outlined from the mainstream society. They did not get proper value in
the eye of the society.
III. What is the educational status of the children of the farmers?

----Their children were studying in the government school, whose conditions were not
Good. Their children were going through marginalised education system.

IV. What is the status of women in the family of the farmers?

----Women were actively supporting their male counterpart in their work. Apart from
this, they were maintaining their family also.

V. What are the measures they take in the production of crops?

-----hardly able to distribute manures, he was not being economically able to buy tubewell
,
And other machines.

VI. What is the land production ratio of your crops?

-----Not getting enough production from their field.

VII. What is the earning of the farmer? Do they earn enough to have a happy life?

-----As he was not satisfied with the production , his earning was also not good and

Was not being able to have a happy life.

VII. What is the mode of irrigation, the farmers use for the production of crops?

----Dependent on monsoon.

IX. What are the aids and supplement given by the government to uplift the condition

Of the farmer?

----Dont know about any such policies.

X. What are the suggestive measures, they want to say and recall the attention of the

government?

----He want proper distribution of manures at time. He want a fixed minimum support

Price for their crops and the security that their crops must be sold.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

SECTION A

1. NAME OF THE RESPONDANT- CHANDEEP MAHTO

2. AGE - 52

3. GENDER - MALE

4. EDUCATION - ILLITRATE

5. OCCUPATION - AGRICULTURE

6. FAMILY SIZE 06 (WIFE, 1 SON, 3 DAUGHTER)

7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE RAMNAGAR, CHAPRA

SECTION B

I. What are the economic condition of the family ?

--- The economic condition of the family is not so good. They were hardly being able to
Fulfil their basic needs.
II. What are the social status of the families of the farmers.

----The social status of the family is marginalised. .

III. What is the educational status of the children of the farmers?

----Their children were not being able to go to school and the farmer was also illiterate.

IV. What is the status of women in the family of the farmers?

----Women were helping the farmer in irrigation. They were also doing their household
work. The health of the female was not so good.
V. What are the measures they take in the production of crops?

-----the family has proper machines and other measures . Bt all the processes of the
Farming were done by the both male and female.
VI. What is the land production ratio of your crops?

-----They produce enough crops from their land. They get enough production to eat
And apart from this, they were able to earn a little money from market.

VII. What is the earning of the farmer? Do they earn enough to have a happy life?

-----As he was not satisfied with the production, but his produce enough crops to

eat and also managed to sell some crops.

VII. What is the mode of irrigation, the farmers use for the production of crops?
 ----Not fully dependent on monsoon. They have tubewells, pumping sets and enough

machines.

IX. What are the aids and supplement given by the government to uplift the condition

Of the farmer?

----Not being able to get any subsidies or policies of the government and were very
disappointed.
X. What are the suggestive measures, they want to say and recall the attention of the

government?

----He want proper and effective mechanism to sort out the problems of farmers by
by reducing the approach of middlemen. So that they may get proper support from
the government.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

SECTION A

1. NAME OF THE RESPONDANT- LALU RAI

2. AGE - 54

3. GENDER - MALE

4. EDUCATION - ILLITRATE

5. OCCUPATION - AGRICULTURE

6. FAMILY SIZE 05 (WIFE, 1 SON, 2 DAUGHTER)

7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE BRAHMPURA, CHAPRA

SECTION B

I. What are the economic condition of the family ?

--- The economic condition of the family is neither good nor bad. But they earn enough
to feed the family.
II. What are the social status of the families of the farmers.
----The social status of the family is good and it was more because he belongs to an
Upper caste family.
III. Where is the agricultural land of the farmer ?
-----It was situated 5 km away from the farmers own home.
III. What is the educational status of the children of the farmers?

----Their children were being able to go to school but the farmer was illiterate. The
Children are studying in Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Darshan Nagar, Chapra.

IV. What is the status of women in the family of the farmers?

----Women were doing their household work only and they were not engaged in any
agricultural work. The health of the female was good.
V. What are the measures they take in the production of crops?

-----this family also has proper machinaries and other measures . They has pumping
Sets, thresher machines and other important stuffs.
VI. What is the land production ratio of your crops?

-----They also produce enough crops from their land. They get enough production to eat
And apart from this, they were able to earn a little money from market.

VII. What is the earning of the farmer? Do they earn enough to have a happy life?
 ----- he was satisfied with the production, He produce enough crops .

VII. What is the mode of irrigation, the farmers use for the production of crops?

----Not dependent on monsoon. They have tubewells, pumping sets and enough

machines.

IX. What are the aids and supplement given by the government to uplift the condition

Of the farmer?

----He was aware with every old and even the new policies of the present government.

X. What are the suggestive measures, they want to say and recall the attention of the

government?

----He want more effective policies and was not satisfied with the mechanism of the
Working of the present government.

XI. From how many years You have been in this field and was it the only thing, you

Wanted in your life ?

----The farmer was in this field from last 26 years and was not fully satisfied with the
Profession. He said that he wanted to be a teacher but his family condition forced him
to earn early.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

SECTION A

1. NAME OF THE RESPONDANT SUDHANSU SINGH

2. AGE - 47

3. GENDER - MALE

4. EDUCATION - GRADUATE

5. OCCUPATION MONEY LENDER

6. FAMILY SIZE 04 (MOTHER, WIFE, 1 SON)

7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE RAMNAGAR, BAZAR SAMITI, CHAPRA

SECTION B

I. What are the economic condition of the family of the lender ?

--- The economic condition of the family is very good. He lives in village but his
house is full of every facilities including TV. Fridge, cooler and other things.
II. How do you help the farmers ?
---He help the farmer in the situation of emergency. He helps the farmer in the
Eleventh hour. There is less formalities and the farmer can easily get loan.
III. How do you give loan to the farmer ?
---He gives loan to the farmers at the very marginal difference from the bank and
in a very less time.
III. What is the educational status of the children of the lender?

----Their children were being able to do schooling from the most expensive private
School of the city. They were studying in Chapra Central School, Bazar Samity
Chapra

IV. What is the status of women in the family of the farmers?

----Women were doing their household work only and they were not engaged in any
agricultural work. The health of the female was good. There were two servants also.

V. Why farmers should take loan from you ?

----Since he makes loans available in very quick time without having much formalities
He is also considered to be very reliable. Farmers put their faith in the lender. Most
 Of the farmers are illiterate and they think that at official level, broker may take sign
and can misuse it.

VI. How do you recover your loan?

---After harvesting the crops, Farmers pay their loan happily and the relation between

the farmer and the money lender is very polite. He also said that he never take their

loan forcefully.

VII. How does you behave with the farmers ?

--His behaviour with the farmer is very gentle. He gives loan as well as respect to the

elder farmer.

VII From how many years You have been in this field?

----The lender was in this field from last 15 years and was satisfied with the
Profession.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

SECTION A

1. NAME OF THE RESPONDANT JITENDER SINGH

2. AGE - 48

3. GENDER - MALE

4. EDUCATION - GRADUATE

5. OCCUPATION MUKHIYA
6. FAMILY SIZE 06 (MOTHER, FATHER, WIFE, 2 SON)

7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE RAMNAGAR, CHAPRA

SECTION B

I. How do farmer get benefit from you as a elected leader?

---He being the leader of this panchayat, goes to Ram nagar time to time and make
Everyone aware of the present scheme of the government and also tells about the
New policies of the present government.
II. What are the existing policies of the government regarding the betterment

Of the farmer
---He told about various policies of the government regarding the distribution of seeds
Distribution of manures, about the neem coated manure, about the loan facilities of
the government and he also told the it is available at very little rate and with very
less formalities
III. What are the new policies of the government which can come in future?
---He was not well informed with the upcoming policies of the present government.
III. What is the educational status of the children of the lender?

----Their children were also being able to do schooling from the expensive private
School of the city. They were studying in Central public school, Chandmari Road
Chapra

IV. What problem you feel in implementing the policies of the government ?

----Sometimes it happens that the policies are available only for very less people
 In this case it is very hard to select the people for the particular scheme.

V. What are your mode of development?

----Firstly he choose the very poor farmer below poverty line and then he goes

From particular to general.

VI. What are you

---After harvesting the crops, Farmers pay their loan happily and the relation between

the farmer and the money lender is very polite. He also said that he never take their

loan forcefully.

VII. How does you behave with the farmers ?

--His behaviour with the farmer is very gentle. He gives loan as well as respect to the

elder farmer.

VII From how many years You have been in this field?

----The lender was in this field from last 15 years and was satisfied with the
Profession.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

SECTION A

1. NAME OF THE RESPONDANT SHAMBHU NATH RAI

2. AGE - 44

3. GENDER - MALE
4. EDUCATION POST GRADUATE

5. OCCUPATION TEACHER

6. FAMILY SIZE 05 ( WIFE, 1 SON, 2 DAUGHTER)

7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE SALEMPUR, CHAPRA

I. How do farmer ?

---He being the leader of this panchayat, goes to Ram nagar time to time and make
Everyone aware of the present scheme of the government and also tells about the
New policies of the present government.
II. What are the existing policies of the government regarding the betterment

Of the farmer
---He told about various policies of the government regarding the distribution of seeds
Distribution of manures, about the neem coated manure, about the loan facilities of
the government and he also told the it is available at very little rate and with very
less formalities
III. What are the new policies of the government which can come in future?
---He was not well informed with the upcoming policies of the present government.
III. What is the educational status of the children of the lender?

----Their children were also being able to do schooling from the expensive private
School of the city. They were studying in Central public school, Chandmari Road
Chapra

IV. What problem you feel in implementing the policies of the government ?

----Sometimes it happens that the policies are available only for very less people
 In this case it is very hard to select the people for the particular scheme.

V. What are your mode of development?

----Firstly he choose the very poor farmer below poverty line and then he goes

From particular to general.

VI. What are you

---After harvesting the crops, Farmers pay their loan happily and the relation between

the farmer and the money lender is very polite. He also said that he never take their

loan forcefully.

VII. How does you behave with the farmers ?

--His behaviour with the farmer is very gentle. He gives loan as well as respect to the

elder farmer.

VII From how many years You have been in this field?

----The lender was in this field from last 15 years and was satisfied with the
Profession.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books:

Sunda Raj Nem ,A competitive Book of Agriculture

Websites:

Krishi.bih.nic.inagricoop.in