Kaimur, Bihar
As the Union Budget approaches, farmers and rice millers in Bihar’s Kaimur district are voicing deep concern over what they describe as worsening economic distress. Kaimur, widely known as the rice bowl of Bihar, is one of the state’s largest rice-producing regions. Despite its agricultural significance, farmers allege that they continue to receive prices for paddy that do not reflect production costs or market realities.
Local farmers say that the current pricing mechanism leaves them struggling to recover even basic input expenses such as seeds, fertilisers, labour, and irrigation. Many have expressed frustration over the lack of effective government intervention to stabilise prices or ensure fair procurement. According to farmers, paddy prices in local markets fluctuate sharply, often falling far below expectations during peak harvest periods.
Rice millers in the district echo similar concerns. They argue that milling charges fixed by authorities are too low to sustain operations, especially with rising electricity costs, labour wages, transportation expenses, and maintenance of machinery. Mill owners say that milling rates barely allow them to break even, pushing many units toward financial stress.
Kaimur is particularly known for producing the Gobind Bhog variety of rice, valued for its distinct aroma and taste. The rice also holds cultural and religious importance, as it is widely used as a sacred offering in temples across the country. Despite the premium nature of the crop, stakeholders say farmers and millers see little benefit due to weak price support systems and limited government incentives.
Millers point out that each rice mill in the region supports the livelihood of up to 50 families, directly and indirectly. Any disruption in milling activity, they warn, could have serious economic consequences for rural employment. They believe that targeted government schemes aimed at paddy farmers and rice millers could help stabilise incomes and prevent further distress.
Some farmers, however, remain sceptical about expectations from the Union Budget. They argue that past budgets have failed to address core agricultural issues such as fair pricing, input subsidies, and assured procurement. Many say there is little confidence that meaningful relief will be announced this year.
Agriculture experts note that regions like Kaimur play a critical role in food security and rural employment. Without policy intervention, declining profitability may push farmers away from paddy cultivation, affecting both production and local economies. Experts suggest that measures such as higher minimum support prices, improved procurement infrastructure, and revised milling charges could offer relief.
As anticipation builds around the Union Budget, farmers and millers in Kaimur are hoping for concrete announcements that recognise their contribution to the agricultural economy. For many in the region, the budget is seen as a crucial opportunity to address long-standing issues and restore confidence in farming as a viable livelihood.
