Bihar to Explore Cooperative Farming Model; Teams to Visit Gujarat

Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to explore the potential of cooperative farming in the State, with official teams set to visit Gujarat to study its successful cooperative models. The initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector, improve farmers’ incomes, and promote collective farming practices.

Officials from Bihar’s Cooperative Department said the move is part of a broader strategy to modernise agriculture and enhance productivity through shared resources, technology adoption, and better market access.

Learning from Gujarat’s Cooperative Success

Gujarat is widely regarded for its robust cooperative movement, particularly in dairy and agriculture. Bihar’s delegation will study operational frameworks, governance structures, financial models, and farmer participation mechanisms implemented in Gujarat.

The visiting teams are expected to:

• Examine best practices in cooperative management

• Understand credit and procurement systems

• Study value-chain integration and marketing strategies

• Explore digital tracking and transparency mechanisms

The findings will help Bihar formulate policies suited to its agrarian landscape, where small and marginal farmers form a significant majority.

MoU to Revive Closed Sugar Mills

In a parallel development, Bihar’s Cooperative Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd (NFCSF), New Delhi, for the revival of two closed sugar mills in the State.

The agreement aims to:

• Restore operations at defunct cooperative sugar mills

• Generate employment in rural areas

• Boost sugarcane cultivation

• Strengthen the cooperative sugar sector

Officials stated that reviving these mills would not only benefit sugarcane farmers but also revive local economies dependent on agro-based industries.

Focus on Rural Development

The Bihar government emphasized that cooperative farming can help reduce input costs, improve bargaining power, and ensure better price realization for farmers. By pooling land, labour, and capital, farmers can benefit from economies of scale and improved access to modern farming equipment.

The revival of sugar mills is also expected to encourage farmers to expand sugarcane cultivation, ensuring a stable supply chain and better returns.

Way Forward

After the study tour to Gujarat, a detailed action plan will be prepared to implement cooperative farming initiatives across selected districts in Bihar. The government has indicated that pilot projects may be launched before scaling up the model statewide.

The move signals Bihar’s renewed push towards strengthening cooperative institutions and revitalising its agricultural economy through structured reforms and partnerships.