Patna Horticulture Festival Concludes with Major Awards and Sales
The three-day horticulture festival held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna successfully concluded on Sunday, marking a significant event for the agricultural community in Bihar. The festival served as a platform to celebrate innovation and support farmers across the state.
Prize Distribution and Government Support
During the closing ceremony, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav distributed a total prize money of Rs 10.79 lakh to participating farmers. In his address, Yadav emphasized the state government's commitment to developing the entire horticulture value chain—from production to marketing—to transform it into a key driver of income growth, employment, and rural entrepreneurship.
"We are giving special focus to niche sectors like honey and makhana to enhance farmer prosperity," Yadav stated, highlighting targeted initiatives for high-potential agricultural products.
Winners and District Performances
The festival recognized outstanding contributions from farmers and districts. The top individual prizes were awarded as follows:
- First Prize (Rs 88,000): Rajesh Kumar from Vaishali district
- Second Prize (Rs 86,000): Rinku from Bhagalpur district
- Third Prize (Rs 57,000): Ragini Devi from Vaishali district
In terms of district-level performance, Bhagalpur emerged as the top-performing district, followed by Vaishali and Purnia in the rankings.
Exhibits and Economic Impact
The event featured an impressive display of 7,696 products presented by 807 farmers across various categories including fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, and medicinal plants. Purnia district contributed the highest number of exhibits with 930 entries, showcasing the region's agricultural diversity.
Officials reported that the festival generated approximately Rs 20 lakh in sales over the three-day period, demonstrating strong commercial interest and market potential for horticultural products.
Educational Components and Institutional Participation
The festival included substantial educational and technical components designed to support farmers. More than 60 stalls represented national and state institutions, providing farmers with access to tools, seeds, and valuable technical information.
Scientists conducted specialized sessions focusing on makhana production, packaging techniques, and modern irrigation methods, offering practical knowledge to enhance agricultural practices.
"The event showcased innovation, modern technology and the prosperity of our farmers," Yadav remarked, emphasizing the festival's role in promoting agricultural advancement.
Additional Activities and Future Plans
Beyond the agricultural focus, the festival featured a painting competition for students and a quiz for university participants, engaging younger generations with horticulture themes.
Principal Secretary of Agriculture Narmadeshwar Lal revealed that the department is considering holding similar events multiple times a year to provide continuous support for the horticulture value chain development.
Closing Ceremony Attendees
The closing ceremony was attended by various state officials and distinguished guests, including Padma Shri recipient Rajkumari Devi, adding prestige to the event's conclusion.
The successful conclusion of the Patna Horticulture Festival underscores Bihar's commitment to agricultural development and farmer welfare through innovative platforms that combine recognition, education, and commercial opportunities.
