Bihar Agriculture University vice-chancellor ML Choudhary addresses the foundation day meet on Monday. Picture by Amit Kumar

Bihar Agriculture University, Sabour, has decided to set up an agro business advisory to assist youths.

The committee would be headed by the vice-chancellor of the university, M.L. Choudhary, and consist of scientists and entrepreneurs. While addressing a gathering at the Bihar Agriculture University (BAU) on Monday to celebrate its third foundation day, Choudhury said the focus of the event was on young agriculture entrepreneurs.

“To promote agriculture, we have also decided to distribute the products of the varsity among young entrepreneurs at 10 per cent rebate. Since youths are the vital force of the country, we are trying to motivate them to participate in agriculture,” he said.

The committee would offer free consultancy to young farmers. Pointing out to the challenges in agriculture such as climatic changes that results in decreasing productivity, Choudhary stressed the need of involving the youths in agriculture to face these challenges.

Director of extension education, BAU, R.K. Sohane said young entrepreneurs from 21 districts have been invited to the event. Dilip Kumar, a farmer from Rohtas, who was also the recipient of Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer Award this year, gave tips to farmers.

Jaikumar Singh, the JD(U) MLA from Dinara and a member of the managing committee of the university, urged youths to take part in agriculture. “Bihar can be changed only by agriculture and youths have the potentiality and positive attitude to achieve this feat,” he said.

Rajesh Kumar, public relations officer of BAU, said: “On the occasion of the third foundation day celebration, we have started text messaging service to provide farming suggestions and climatic information to the farmers of 19 districts through Krishi Vigyan Kendra in the respective districts.”

He added: “We have also adopted three villages like Baniakura under Katoria block in Banka, Kilkari under Tatiyabamber block in Munger and Kajrali under Nathnagar block in Bhagalpur on the occasion. Our scientists and experts would assist the villagers, particularly youths, to promote agriculture. We would also assist the villagers for better yield and marketing of their produce.”