State ministers on the concluding day of the agriculture mechanisation fair in Patna on Monday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, March 5: The agriculture mechanisation fair, Agro Bihar 2012, concluded today after doing a brisk business of Rs 6 crore. It also gave subsidy of Rs 3 crore to farmers.

Addressing a programme on the final day of the four-day event, agriculture minister Narendra Singh said the farmers of Bihar should set up their own units.

“This is not a toy or sweet fair. This is a fair that witnesses the exhibition and sale of equipment and machineries related to agriculture. Bihar will be made an organic state and the farmers will be provided with everything necessary for this,” he said.

Animal and fish resources minister Giriraj Singh said: “According to the (agriculture) roadmap, the main focus of my department would be agriculture and livestock.” Industries minister Renu Kumari said Bihar had everything required for industries, including fertile land, skilled labour and technical skills.

The ministers also agreed to have a committee with officials from departments such as agriculture, industries and cooperative so that they could look into the farmers’ problems and work towards the state’s development.

Manufacturers from 12 states and four foreign countries took part in the fair, which was organised by the department of agriculture in association with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

Puran Arya, who was at the stall of Denmark-based Texas Distributors, said: “A number of applicants interested in dealership have approached us..”

Another stall, looked after by Sandeep Khetan of Patna, which showcased a mini-rice mill was a big attraction for many. People at the stall said the mill was a low-cost and user-friendly mobile unit that could be carried anywhere. Five such mills were sold over the past four days.

Arun Kumar Gupta, who was at a stall of reaper binders and power weeders, said they received a good response at the fair.

Officials of the department of agriculture said the fair witnessed the participation of over 25,000 farmers from all over the state.