By Our Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey inaugurated the innovative Bihar Krishi Radio at Krishi Bhawan, Mithapur. The event, presided over by Sanjay Kumar Agrawal, Secretary of the Agriculture Department, marks a significant step towards empowering farmers with modern technology and real-time agricultural information.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Pandey highlighted the transformative potential of Bihar Krishi Radio, a digital platform designed to provide farmers with vital updates on farming techniques, weather forecasts, and government schemes.
Modern Technology for Farmers
Bihar Krishi Radio is equipped with advanced audio-video recording and editing facilities, ensuring high-quality content delivery. Farmers can access live streaming, podcasts, and recorded materials through the Bihar Krishi Radio app, which is available for download on the Playstore and App Store. The app has been tailored to meet the specific needs of Bihar’s farming community, offering quick and reliable agricultural advice.
Pandey emphasised the accessibility of the service, which is available not only on smartphones but also on the department’s official websites and platforms like ‘Radio Garden.’ He stated, “Radio remains a trusted medium for farmers. Bihar Krishi Radio blends the traditional comfort of radio with the convenience of digital technology, ensuring farmers have vital information at their fingertips.”
Interactive and Efficient Communication
Sanjay Kumar Agrawal, Secretary of the Agriculture Department, explained that the app operates efficiently on most smartphones, consuming minimal data. Unlike traditional radio, Bihar Krishi Radio incorporates two-way communication by collecting feedback from farmers, which will be used to tailor content to their needs. Farmers will also receive download links via WhatsApp, and district-wise communication will be facilitated through ATMA and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the future.
Dignitaries Present at the Launch
The inauguration was attended by key officials, including Special Secretary Dr. Virendra Prasad Yadav, Agriculture Director Nitin Kumar Singh, Director Horticulture Abhishek Kumar, and Additional Secretaries Shailendra Kumar and Kalpana Kumari. Joint Secretaries Madan Kumar and Manoj Kumar, along with other senior officials, were also present.
A New Era for Agriculture in Bihar
Bihar Krishi Radio represents a significant leap in bridging the gap between technology and agriculture. By leveraging digital tools, the initiative promises to enhance the lives of farmers, ensuring they stay informed, empowered, and connected in this digital age.