Patna: A first-of-its-kind three-day national-level horticulture conclave, “Bihar Nursery and Green-Tech Conclave 2026”, was inaugurated on Saturday at Gyan Bhavan in the state capital.Organised by the horticulture directorate of the agriculture department, the technology-enabled event is based on the theme “Parampara Se Pragati Tak” and aims to strengthen the horticulture sector through modern technology.Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Bihar assembly Speaker Prem Kumar said farmers in Bihar have become more prosperous and their incomes have been rising steadily. He said farmers can further improve their economic condition by taking up animal husbandry and horticulture along with traditional farming. According to him, such events will accelerate the development of the horticulture sector in the state and contribute to higher farm incomes. He said horticulture offers immense opportunities for both farmers and youth.Prem Kumar also said agricultural products from Bihar are now earning recognition at both national and international levels. He added that with the expansion of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries, people in the state are increasingly finding employment opportunities within their own villages.State agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav said Bihar is making rapid progress in nursery development and green technology. He said the use of machines and modern technology in agriculture has increased significantly. According to the minister, farmers are now earning good income from horticulture and securing better employment opportunities in their villages. He said innovation in agriculture and horticulture is growing and that many new employment avenues are emerging in farming and horticulture, which both farmers and youth should utilise.Bihar State Farmers Commission chairman Rupnarayan Mehta said Bihar is an agrarian state where traditional farming has long been practised, but in the present era agriculture and horticulture are advancing rapidly with the support of technology.Agriculture department principal secretary Narmdeshwar Lal said this is the first time such an event has been organised in Bihar. He said the programme is intended to create coordination among agriculture, horticulture and technology, and will help connect farmers with modern horticulture techniques.Horticulture director Abhishek Kumar said leading nursery operators, growers, scientists from agricultural universities, experts from horticulture colleges, and farmers and entrepreneurs from Bihar have come together on one platform at the conclave. He said the event would enable participants to exchange innovations and experiences in the field of horticulture.
