Bumper gift for Bihar farmers: Government deposits ₹200 crore into their accounts..

On Monday, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary transferred over ₹200 crore online—via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)—to the bank accounts of more than 3.96 lakh farmers under the 'Agriculture Input Subsidy Scheme.' This move provided relief to farmers whose crops were damaged by storms, unseasonal rain, and hailstorms during the third and fourth weeks of March 2026.

Addressing an event held at the Chief Minister's official residence, he noted that farmers often suffer losses due to natural disasters—such as unseasonal rain, storms, and hailstorms—caused by climate change. He stated that the state government is providing all possible assistance to disaster-affected farmers using its own resources.

**Crops Damaged Across 13 Districts**

The Deputy Chief Minister remarked that the Agriculture Input Subsidy Scheme is not merely about providing financial aid; it also serves as a means to instill confidence and stability among farmers. He informed the gathering that reports of crop damage exceeding 33 percent were received from 13 districts—Saharsa, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Madhepura, Araria, Begusarai, Purnia, Darbhanga, Kishanganj, Khagaria, Madhubani, Supaul, and Bhagalpur—following the natural disaster in March 2026. According to him, the Disaster Management Department made ₹200 crore available to provide immediate relief to the affected farmers, and an additional ₹60.71 crore was sanctioned at the request of the Agriculture Department. Thus, a total provision of ₹260.71 crore has been made to assist the farmers. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the welfare of farmers and the empowerment of the agricultural sector are being accorded top priority. Just two days ago, funds under the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' were transferred to farmers' accounts. Urging farmers to enroll in the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' (Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme), he noted that it helps compensate for losses incurred during natural disasters.

**Compensation for Losses Due to Natural Disasters**

The Chief Minister stated that the 'double-engine' government (at both the Centre and the State) is committed to increasing farmers' income, making agriculture more secure and sustainable, and compensating for losses caused by natural disasters. He remarked that this financial assistance would provide crucial support to affected farmers in resuming their agricultural activities and play a significant role in strengthening their economic condition. Following the event, the Chief Minister held a review meeting with the Sugarcane Industries Department and directed officials to take necessary steps for the revival of the state's sugar industry, the promotion of investment, and the enhancement of farmers' income. He noted that there is immense potential for the development of sugarcane-based industries in Bihar. An effective action plan should be formulated for reviving the state's closed sugar mills and establishing new ones. The Chief Minister instructed officials to work expeditiously to revitalize industrial activities in areas where sugar mills have shut down, including Raiyam, Sakri, Sasamusa, Marhaura, Motipur, Samastipur, Chakia, Chanpatia, and Motihari. He added that this would create local employment opportunities and provide direct benefits to farmers.

**Emphasis on Increasing Sugarcane Production**