DPR - Benipatti, Madhubani

Contents
1 Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................5
1.1. Background and District Profile.............................................................................................. 6
2. Demography and General Information of Block- Benipatti..........................................................7
Table 1: Benipatti Block and Pahara cluster level information.......................................................7
2.1 Education Status....................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Occupation Details.................................................................................................................... 8
Table 2: Benipatti Block and Pahara cluster level Occupational information.................................9
2.3 Social Category of the Cluster.................................................................................................. 9
Table 3: Benipatti Block Social category of the cluster..................................................................9
2.4 Household Size, Members...................................................................................................... 10
Table 4: Benipatti Block Household composition.........................................................................10
2.5 Land Use Pattern..................................................................................................................... 10
Table 5: Land Use pattern of the Block........................................................................................10
2.6 Land Holding............................................................................................................................ 11
Table 6: Farming categories in the Block- Benipatti.....................................................................11
2.7 Mode of Transportation........................................................................................................... 11
Table 7: Transportation facilities in the Block- Benipatti.............................................................11
3. Economics of Agriculture..........................................................................................................12
3.1 Cost of Production and Productivity and average realization from sale of commodity....12
Table 8: Crop Production Statistics of Madhubani District, Bihar................................................13
Table 8.1: Crop Production Statistics at Benipatti Block, Madhubani..........................................13
3.2 Livestock Details..................................................................................................................... 14
Table 9: Details of Livestock in Madhubani district- Bihar...........................................................14
4. Production Practices.................................................................................................................15
4.1 Availability of Basic Amenities............................................................................................... 16
Table 10: Details of Facilities available in the block.....................................................................16
4.2 Climate and Soil....................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Soil Types................................................................................................................................. 16
4.4 Availability of Inputs................................................................................................................ 17
Table 11: Availability of Inputs in the block.................................................................................17
4.5 Access to Pre- and Post-Harvest facilities............................................................................17
Table 12: Pre harvest – Facilities in the Madhubani region.........................................................17
5. Financial Aspects......................................................................................................................18
5.1 Share Capital Contribution..................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Sources of finance available to farmers................................................................................18
Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 2 |Page

Table 13: Banks and financial sources.........................................................................................18
5.3 Existing Outstanding............................................................................................................... 18
Table 14: Loans and advances, Outstanding in Madhubani District, Bihar..................................18
5.4 Access to Government Programs.......................................................................................... 19
6. Risk Aspects..............................................................................................................................19
6.1 Historical Risk.......................................................................................................................... 20
Table 15: Major Historical Risks Relevant to the Cluster.............................................................20
6.2 Coping Mechanisms................................................................................................................ 20
7. Marketing Aspects....................................................................................................................21
7.1 Channels of Marketing............................................................................................................ 21
7.2 Presence of Weekly Haats in the Block.................................................................................22
Table 16: Major name and location of the market......................................................................22
7.3 Presence of Village Level Traders.......................................................................................... 22
Table 17: Distance of Major Infrastructure facilities from the block...........................................22
7.4 Value Chain Analysis............................................................................................................... 23
Table 18: Value chain Commodities – Mapping in Pulses............................................................23
7.5 Gaps Identified in Value Chain Analysis................................................................................26
7.6 Availability of Storage Infrastructure.....................................................................................26
Table 19: Marketing Infrastructure and processing unit development in the region..................26
8. Best Practices...........................................................................................................................27
8.1 Pre-Harvest Best Practices..................................................................................................... 27
8.2 Post Harvest Best Practices................................................................................................... 28
9. Constraints and Challenges.......................................................................................................29
9.1 Constraints and Challenges faced by small, marginal and landless farmers....................29
9.2 Constraints and Challenges faced by the Traders................................................................30
9.3 Constraints and Challenges- SWOT Analysis of Benipatti Block- Madhubani District....31
10. Scope for Intervention along with convergence.......................................................................31
10.1 Training and capacity building............................................................................................. 31
10.2 Custom Hiring Centres and input shops:............................................................................31
10.3 Credit linkage......................................................................................................................... 31
10.4 Seed and Crop Production: Farmers....................................................................................32
10.5 Value addition and processing............................................................................................. 32
10.6 Market linkage and market information...............................................................................32
10.7 ODOP crop of the block........................................................................................................ 32
10.8 Scope of convergence........................................................................................................... 32
11. Activity Wise Work Plan..........................................................................................................34
11.1 Project cost and financing structure....................................................................................35

11.2 Means of Finance................................................................................................................... 38
12. Conclusion..............................................................................................................................38
13. Photographs of Meetings held with details.............................................................................40
Annexure-I Lists of Farmers covered in Baseline Survey..........................................................41
Annexure-II Baseline Survey Questionnaire...............................................................................43

1 Executive Summary
Agriculture is a mainstay of the Indian economy and plays a key role in its growth. Over two
third of the Indian population directly and indirectly depend on agriculture and allied
activities. Many of the challenges faced by the Indian agriculture due to small landholdings,
limited ability of farmers to invest in modern production and post-harvest practices. These
challenges make farmers vulnerable in terms of low accessibility of technology, information,
credit, or market on one hand and difficulty to buyers in procuring quality raw material from
the farmers because of high transaction costs on the other hand.
We observed that after Pandemic, there has been substantial growth in the agriculture
sector and many factors attributing to the change that includes the growth are: Exports,
Marketing network and channels improvement, use of Mechanization and AI in agriculture,
latest technologies in agriculture like GPS technology, Drones, etc. which has made life of
farmers easy and exciting with good results. Due to this the agricultural exports, stood at
US$ 7.9 billion during 2021-22, and there has been FDI the inflow into agriculture and
participation of MNCs and many export houses inclination is another important segment for
agricultural growth1.
Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) or Farmers Producer Company (FPC) is basically a

member-based group of farmers collectively called FPOs. FPO helps the farmers in
overcoming the constrains imposed due to their small size farms, members connected with
FPO, or any group are able to avail many benefits such as collective strength and bargaining
power to access financial and non-financial inputs, services, and appropriate technologies,
reduce transaction costs, tap high value markets, and enter into partnerships with private
entities on more equitable terms.
During the recent budget, we observed that the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation
and Farmers’ Welfare has been allocated Rs 1,24,000 crore in 2022-23, which is a 5%
increase over the revised estimates of 2021-22. 83% of the Ministry’s budget is proposed to
be spent on three schemes under this Department: (i) the income support scheme, i.e., PM-
KISAN (55%), (ii) Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) (16%), and (iii) the crop
insurance scheme2.
The project is being implemented over five years, however collectivization and FPO
formation will be done in the first two quarters. The project is being implemented with
interested farmers and ensures a sustainable transition into collectively controlled agri-
business company. The total implementation budget of the project is INR 25 lakhs, which is
being used for developing the company over the project period. Business activities including
value addition, processing facility development and farm material procurements are being
planned to be implemented through share money and equity mobilization. 1
1
https:// (Dept of Economic Research and governance in agriculture reforms, RBI, 2022)
2. https://prsindia.org/budgets/parliament/demand-for-grants-2022-23-analysis-agriculture-and-farmers%E2%80%99-welfare

Skill Roots Technical Services has been empaneled as a CBBO by SFAC in Bihar under the
Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer
Organizations (FPOs) .
As per the survey conducted in the allotted block-Benipatti in Madhubani district of Bihar
by SFAC, we find that there is diversity in agricultural crops in the region, and on basis of
the survey and stakeholders’ interaction, the crop chosen is Pulses/ Lentils due to its
diversity. FPO is one of the key areas where Skill Roots has supported FPOs across different
state, starting from formation to handholding support in various business activities and
capacity building initiatives for FPO management and member farmers.
The project interventions will address the multiple issues of farming at different stages both
scientifically and effectively to minimizes the cost of farming and increase the production
and productivity. This will also help in strengthening the entire supply/value chain through
creation of centralized common post-harvest support infrastructures like warehouses, cold
storages, processing units, etc. The FPO will be an effective and accountable platform for
convergence of developmental initiatives in the cluster and will contribute to the socio-
economic conditions of the cluster. The entire activities will be done under institutional
business mode and will be owned and operated by farmers of the cluster. This scheme is
already being implemented in other parts of the country.
1.1. Background and District Profile
Madhubani district is one of the thirty-eight districts of Bihar, India, and is a part of
Darbhanga division. Its administrative headquarters are located in Madhubani. The district
has an area of 3,501 square kilometres (1,352 sq. mi) and has a population of 4,487,379 (as
per Census 2011).
Madhubani district is one of

the major districts of Bihar,
India, and is a part of
Darbhanga division.
The district Madhubani lies

between the north latitudes
of 260 03’ to 260 40’ and
east longitudes of 850 45’
and 860 44’. It occupies a total geographical area of 3501 sq. km. It is bounded by
Figure 1, Map of Madhubani District and Block- Benipatti, Bihar
Darbhanga district in the
south, Sitamarhi district in

the west, Kosi River in the east and Nepal in the north. Madhubani town is the district
headquarter of the district and it is well connected by roads to its other towns like Jainagar,
Jhanjhapur, Khutauna, Benipatti, Phulparasa etc.
Apart from rice belt, Maize, paddy, wheat, oil seed and vegetables etc. are the main
agricultural crops. And Madhubani district also comprises of highest growth of maize and
wheat, the production of 4 ton / hectare which is highest productivity with record growth
in the region so far. The district has a very rich & fertile land irrigated by several rivers;
hence agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. Apart from this, Madhubani is famous for
Makhana and sweet water fish.
2. Demography and General Information of Block- Benipatti

Benipatti is a Block in Madhubani District of Bihar State, India. Benipatti Block Head Quarters
is Benipatti town. It belongs to Darbhanga Division. It is located 18 KM towards west from
District headquarters Madhubani. 142 KM from State capital Patna. Sitamarhi City are the
nearby Cities to Benipatti. Benipatti consist of 111 Villages and 33 Panchayats.
Table 1: Benipatti Block and Pahara cluster level information

S. No Parameter Benipatti Block Pasauna Cluster
Numbers %Age
1 Total No of Villages 24 6 25%
2 Total Population of the Block 361,400 20,580 5.70%
3 No. of Male 188,764 8,611 5.57%
4 No. of Female 172,636 9,969 4.78%
5 Working population in agriculture 29,378 11,226 38.22%
6 Total House Holds 20,184 11,116 55.08%
7 SC House Holds 2225 1850 83.15%
8 ST House Holds 10 2 20.01%
9 General House Holds 6741 3,550 52.68%
10 Avg. members per Household 5.38 5.00 N.A.
Source: Block Development and Panchayat Officer, Benipatti Block; Madhubani, Baseline survey; Village level
Benipatti is one of the major blocks of Madhubani District in Bihar.
The project cluster constitutes 12.5% of block villages with 25% of the block area. As per the
field survey and information collected, there are very few ST households 3 in the district. At
the block level, apart from SC and General households, the remaining households belong to
OBC category i.e. around 83% of total households at the block level belong to the Gen
category. Whereas, at the cluster level, only 20% of total households belong to ST category .

As per 2011 census, the total population of the block is 361,400 out of which 51.77% are
male while 48.22% are females. Total 29, 378 Cultivators are depended on agriculture in the
region. Benipatti is famous for cultivation of varietal fruits such as Mango and Makhana
cropping apart from traditional agriculture crops like Lentils/Masur dal, urad, Potato,
leafy vegetables, Paddy and wheat.
2.1 Education Status
The literacy rate is an important indicator of human development index which contributes
significantly to the socio-economic development of the area. As per census 2011, the
Benipatti block is having a literacy rate of 59.43%. The male literacy rate in the block is
56.91% and the female literacy rate is 40.55%. The status of education in the state has
improved significantly over the years. It may be attributed to the emergence of educational
institutions in the state and focus of present Govt. on the education sector.
We see that in order to facilitate the administration, Benipatti Block is further divided into
99 villages. Also, there is one college providing degree courses at the block level. It can be
observed that the literacy rate among females in the project cluster (40%) and it is less than
the block average (59.43%). So, it can be attributed to the lesser educational facilities for
women.
56.91
42.6 59.43
Total Workers percentage is 32.74 percent,
60
40
out of these 23.99 percent is male workers
20 and 8.75 percent is female workers. Total
0
Block Agriculture farmers percentage is 5.97
percent in Benipatti, out of these 5.13
percent is male farmers and 0.84 percent is
female farmers.
Fig 2, Educational status of Block
2.2 Occupation Details
During baseline analysis, we found that the agriculture is the main occupation for the
people in the block. People are mostly agrarian and their livelihood involves in agri and horti
based activities, though few people in the block are dependent on livestock, non-farm-
based jobs.2
Basically, as per the study conducted in Benipatti block, four different sources of family
income were analysed. Agriculture is the primary source of occupation for the majority of
the households, followed by various forms of non-agricultural labour 3. Agricultural labour,
business, and wage labour in non-farm are the other major sources of income identified in
the block. From the study it was inferred that, 72% of the population is engaged in the
23
https://www.censusindia.co.in/subdistrict/benipatti-block-madhubani-bihar-1091#:

agriculture and allied sector, few (approx. 8%) of the population is engaged into non-farm
activities.
Table 2: Benipatti Block and Pahara cluster level Occupational information

S. No. Parameter Benipatti
Block Pasauna Cluster-level Percentage
(%)-
Cluster
1 Total Population 361,400 20,611 5.71%
2 Agriculture / Horticulture as a major 169251 11226 7.74%
activity
3 Non-farm activities (shop owners, non- 9,967 1870 18.77%
farm labor etc.)
4. Salaried jobs 1,087 150 13.78%
5. Livestock rearing as a major activity 5,433 546 10.05%
6. Fishery as a major activity 98 12 12.25%
7. Honeybee (Apiculture) as a major NA NA NA
activity
We assume that the majority of the population in the block comprises of the agriculture-
based activities, and horticulture as well as also involved in fisheries. We can observe that
the majority of the beneficiaries in the Benipatti block involved in agriculture and allied
services including fisheries.
2.3 Social Category of the Cluster
We observed that in the Benipatti block, the socio-economic profile of the region mainly
comprises of poor farmers who belonged to the social strata of OBC category a casteism is
highly prevalent in the region.
Table 3: Benipatti Block Social category of the cluster

Basic information Benipatti Block Pasauna cluster - Percentage (%)-
Numbers Cluster
Total population 3,61,400 20,611 5.72%
Total households 43,201 11140 25.79%
Predominant Hindu/ Hindu/ NA

religion/caste Paswan and Yadav Paswan and Hamat
Categories- SC 28,239 11543 40.89%

OBC 29,654 17654 59.54%
Total working 29,124 NA NA
Population

It shows that Hindu based caste are dominant in the region, further we observed that the
OBC category is predominant in the region with 59.54% at the cluster level followed by SC
category with 40% and rest is followed by General category, ST population is negligible in
the region. It clearly stipulates that General category is dominantly involved in agriculture as
well as non-agriculture work within the community for their source of income.
2.4 Household Size, Members
Name of Block Respondent Category

Family Size
Less than 5 Members 5-8 Members Above 8 Members
Benipatti 50 23 2
Table 4: Benipatti Block Household composition
The average family size among the surveyed households is less than 5 members. As per the
study conducted in the Benipatti block, it was analysed that majority of the respondents
consist of household comprising of less than 5 members (approx. 67%), (31%) of sample
belongs to category of 5-8 members while
Benipatti
very few (2%) belongs to family size of above
3% Less than 5 8 members in Households surveyed. From
31% Members
5-8 Members
the study it can be inferred that surveyed
67% population prefer living in a nuclear family
rather than collectively.
Figure 3, Household composition of the block 2.5 Land Use Pattern
Table 5: Land Use pattern of the Block
S. No Particulars Madhubani District Pasauna Cluster Level
(Area in ‘000 Ha) Land (Area in ‘000 Ha)
1 Total geographical area 353.5 124.4
2 Gross cropped area 232.7 86.90
3 Land under non-agricultural use 75.7 15.25
4 Barren and uncultivable land 2.3 0
5 Forest area 0 0
6 Net Irrigated area 80 34.5
7 Rainfed area 152.7 78.90
8 Land under miscellaneous groves , 22.6 NA
tree crops
Source: Agriculture Contingency Plan, Madhubani, Bihar, District census Plan, 2011
After conducting study and interaction with various stakeholders, we can infer that, out of
the total geographical area of the district, nearly 65 % (2251 sq.km) is culturable and the
rest constitute non-culturable wasteland and land put to non-agricultural uses. There are
mainly two harvesting seasons in the district in a year known as Rabi and Kharif. The area
under paddy cultivation stands at 36.85 % of the total agricultural land in the district 4.
Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 10 | P a g e

The main sources of irrigation in the district are shallow tube wells, tanks and canals. Tanks
and canals are basically rain-fed and dry up during the Rabi season.
2.6 Land Holding
Table 6: Farming categories in the Block- Benipatti
Name of Respondent category

Block Small Margina Large
farmer l farmer farmer In the Benipatti block, agriculture is the mainstay of
Benipatti 68 6 1 the economy. After assessing through the baseline
survey in the block, we find that
91
most of the farmers of the block
100
80
are small and marginal farmers
60 8
1 and engaged in the traditional
40 agricultural practices in partially
20
irrigated and rain fed areas. The
0
Small farmer(%) Marginal Large farmer(%) average group farmers category is
farmer(%)
having options for both
Figure 4, Landholding pattern of the block
agricultural as well as
horticultural practices. It is inferred from the above table that small and marginal farmers
predominate in the villages of Benipatti Block, and constitutes 91% of the total surveyed
population, and the remaining 8% belongs to marginal farmer category in the region.
2.7 Mode of Transportation

Table 7: Transportation facilities in the Block- Benipatti
S. No Mode of transportation Project Cluster (Benipatti block)
1 Train Service Yes
2 Bus Service Yes
3 Truck Service Yes
4 Tempos/ Tractors Yes
5 Other means (Bicycles/ Bike) Yes
Due to lack of infrastructure facility farmer do not find adequate place to keep their produce
safely. This compels farmers to reach market with all their produce at a time immediately
after harvest. This causes sudden price crash during peak harvesting season and farmers are
forced to sale the produce at very nominal price and not getting remunerative price 3.
Farmers of the block generally uses utility vehicles and also carry their produce on bikes,
cycles and other small means of transports from the farm to different forwarding points.
The seasonally blocked roads or slow and infrequent transport services, along with poor
storage, lead to around 15-20% transportation losses which ultimately affects the income of
farmers.
34
https:// CGWB.gov.in/ Madhubani/Bihar, 16-18/district#

3. Economics of Agriculture
Agriculture is at the core of Bihar’s economy, employing 77% of the workforce and
generating 35 % of the state domestic product. Bihar is one of the strongest agricultural
states. The percentage of
population employed in
agricultural production in
Bihar is around 80%, which
is much higher than the
national average. The
economy of Bihar has
witnessed structural
transformation in the last
one and half decades. Agricultural sector occupies a prominent place in the structural
changes of the economy with a significant contribution to the state’s income and rural
employment.
We have analysed that although, Makhana is grown in various North Eastern and Eastern
states of India, Bihar has monopoly in its production. As per estimates, the state alone
produces approximately 90% of total Makhana production in the country. Makhana crop is
grown in almost 15,000 ha area in Bihar which produces nearly 10,000 tonnes of popped
Makhana annually. Farmers take Makhana as an aquatic cash crop in North Bihar and about
5 lakh families mostly from fisherman community are directly involved in its cultivation,
harvesting and processing but lack of storage and marketing prospects forced them to sell it
at lower price.
3.1 Cost of Production and Productivity and average realization from sale of commodity
To assess the economics of major crops grown in the project block and cluster, the
information has been provided on cropping pattern, costing, current productivity etc.
Among the horticulture crops, Makhana constitutes the maximum area under cultivation in
the cluster. For Pulses (masur dal), the cluster constitutes more than 50% of the block
production. The crop also provides a higher profit per hectare than the traditional crops of
paddy and wheat.
The pulses especially (Red masur) is cultivated in the Madhubani region of Bihar and has
great demand and we observed that there is ample scope of growth in pulses owing to
fertility and riverine plateau, the growth of pulses in Bihar (Lentils) is close to 4 412.37 ha
(area ‘000) in terms of production and we inferred that Bihar stands 5 th in terms of pulse
production as per the latest research by PIB, India and it follows close with Chhattisgarh
having 530.9 ha area of production.
4
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframe/Ministry of Agriculture

Table 8: Crop Production Statistics of Madhubani District, Bihar
Crop Year Season Area Production Yield Average

(Ha) (Tones) (Tones/Ha) selling price
(Rs)
Lentils / 2019- Rabi 114008 233046 2.39 97508.78
Pulses 20
2020- Rabi 232309 559089 2.41 231987.13
21
Makhana 2019- Rabi 175 1044 3.96 263.63
20
2020- Rabi 169 1336 3.97 336.52
21
Potato 2019- Rabi 1592 10713 4.24 2526.65
20
2020- Rabi 1590 11376 4.25 2676.70
21
Paddy 2019- winter 138826 151705 4.09 37091.68
20
2020- Rabi 143992 162705 4.25 38283.52
21

Figure 5, Pulses cultivation in Bihar (Lentils)
Table 8.1: Crop Production Statistics at Benipatti Block, Madhubani

Crop Year Season Area Production Yield Average
(Ha) (Tones) (Tones/Ha) selling price
(Rs)
Lentils / 2019- Rabi 8638 8603 1.32 6517.45
Pulses 20
Makhana 2019- Rabi 46 48 2.96 1622.12
20
Potato 2019- winter 1880 29759 14.24 1322.28
20
Paddy 2019- winter 12470 18975 3.09 6140.78
20
Source: Baseline survey conducted in the block
We will ensure farmers in ensuring best practices and setting up appropriate value chain,
including effective pre to post harvest mechanism to increase yield and value for crop.
Thus, we can estimate that growth is inadvertent in selling price of different crops and
showing upward trend every year, but still there is better scope for fetching good revenue in
Madhubani region.
We observed that due to rural influx and good agricultural practices the region is suitable
for different types of crops especially cereals, fruits and millets, makhana crop has high
potential and can be developed into a good diversified crop.
About 2.2 million ha of rice fallows in Bihar, are most suitable for pulses cultivation. Also,
there are some indigenous practices like broadcasting pulses like Lentils/masur, moong,
urad, and lathyrus in standing rice crop 7-10 days before harvest making 5 full use of
available moisture in the field can be promoted for converting mono-cropped areas into
double cropped ones can help increase pulse production.
5
https:// CEIDATA.com exhibiting growth trend of Lentils past ten years

3.2 Livestock Details
We have observed that animal husbandry is one of the key sectors which plays an important
role in employment and income opportunities for the rural population of the region. This
sector contributes about one-fifth of the total rural income and provides large scale
employment to women and workers belonging to the marginalized sections of society.
Livestock contributes 38% to the gross value of agricultural output in Bihar. Furthermore,
since many households are either landless or land poor in rural Bihar, this sector
supplements the income they generate from their other agricultural enterprises and farm
labour.
Table 9: Details of Livestock in Madhubani district- Bihar
S. No Livestock Details as per Census – Madhubani Total (No ‘000)
1 Poultry (Commercial) 3925
2 Cattle (cows and buffaloes) 15623
3 Sheep 112
4 Goat 9269
5 Ducks 298
6 Fisheries 13100
7 Poultry /cross bred 324
From the primary study, it was inferred that, Cross breed cows, improved breed buffaloes
and upgraded pigs in small numbers are also reared in almost all the blocks of the district.
Mostly the local breeds are common. Among all small animals, goats occupy the top
position with a proportion of 60.79 percent of the total small animals in the district. The
percentage of ducks, sheep are 1.12 percent, 2.58 percent and 0.46 percent respectively in
the block.
Traditionally, dairy farming was a subsidiary occupation for the farmers of the district.
Despite the large population of livestock, the milk production in the district is low mainly
due to predominance of local cows which are genetically of low breed. Problems related to
animal health account for over one third of the losses, followed by breeding and
reproduction (31%) and feed and nutrition (28%). The constraints and challenges tare
related to achieving better genetic potential for higher yields are due to lack of progeny
tested bulls, and infertility, while those related to better feeding include mineral deficiency
and lack of availability of green fodder. Moreover, a further challenge is how to convert the
prevalent food grain-based agriculture in Bihar into a food-fodder based crop-livestock
sector.
Fisheries Influx in the District- It is worth mentioning that the demand for fish is increasing
and a number of nursery tanks are in use. Madhubani was once noted for piscine wealth
and offers excellent opportunity for the proper development of fisheries. As per Fishery
Department Statistics- 2020-21, there are 2837 farmer owned ponds, 458 reservoirs and

383 village tanks in the district. Villagers sell fish and earn good chunk of revenue thereby
after selling the fish.
4. Production Practices
We observed that most of the farmers at the block and cluster level are using hybrid seeds
for crop cultivation. They are sowing seeds manually and through machines such as potato
planter, wheat seeded etc. Most common fertilizers used in the project cluster are DAP,
Urea and Super Phosphate. Besides these, block farmers are also using potash and sulphur.
Organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides are being used by very few block and cluster farmers.
However, only a small proportion of farmers i.e. 5% at the block level and 2% at the cluster
level are using organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides due to lack of prospects and awareness
in Benipatti block.
 Conservation Agriculture Practices: This practice is mainly practiced in Madhubani,

Saharsa, few other regions of Bihar and is very popular. This is labour saving technology
and, in this system, zero tillage is done, Mat nursery in raised bed is prepared and it
leads to reduction of labour and is primarily attributed to less labour requirement for
nursery preparation, tillage, and replanting. Farmers expressed positive response related
to drudgery reduction by adoption of CA technologies and high yield growth. Vegetables
and pulses are growth with this technique and it is gaining popularity among farmers.
4.1 Availability of Basic Amenities
All households at the block and cluster level have adequate access to basic amenities such
as potable water, electricity and internet. The electricity is available but there is problem of
load shedding.
Table 10: Details of Facilities available in the block.

S. Parameters Numbers of Block level (%)
No. HHs
(Benipatti)
1 Electricity connection 1029 48%
2 Potable water Availability at the block 1034 52 % potable

water but very
few houses
have Tap Water
facilities
3 Internet Facilities (Good/Moderate/Poor) 281 Moderate
4 HHS having access to Banking Facilities 1111 65%
Source- Baseline survey

4.2 Climate and Soil
The climate of the district may be described as a mean condition of the climate of rest of
Bihar and Bengal. Madhubani is also most eastern district of Bihar which distinctly feels the
dry and hot seasons. Moisture laden breezes from West Bengal cause heavy rainfall. The
cold weather commences by the end of October and continues till the beginning of April. It,
thus, commences earlier and lasts longer than that of the most parts of Bihar. The flood
plains are mainly occurring all along the river courses and consist of sand, silt and clay
having largely low-lying water-logged areas.
4.3 Soil Types
The entire Madhubani district is a plain tract situated just to the south of Nepal. The area in
Madhubani district can be sub-divided three geomorphological units namely (i) Newer Flood
Plain, (ii) Older flood plain and (iii) Older alluvial plain. The flood plains are mainly occurring
all along the river courses and consist of sand, silt and clay having largely low-lying water-
logged areas. The soils found in Madhubani district have been classified into the following
three categories:
 Newer Alluvium (Khadar)

 Sandy Alluvium soil having alkaline reaction
 Calcareous soil.
4.4 Availability of Inputs

Table 11: Availability of Inputs in the block
Input Suppliers
Category Nos in the Madhubani District (No) Nos in the % (Cluster)
Benipatti Block
Fertilisers / Seed Outlet 335 28 8.35
Certified Seeds Supply6 22 NA NA
KVKs 1 NA NA
Agriculture Tractors 1887 824 43.67
No of Tillers in the block 234 65 28
Threshers/ Cutters 430 118 27.47
Custom Hiring Centres 24 2 8.4
4.5 Access to Pre- and Post-Harvest facilities

Table 12: Pre harvest – Facilities in the Madhubani region
S. No. Pre harvest facilities Numbers
1 Availability of KVKs 1
2 Primary Markets 91
6
PLP Plan, NABARD, Madhubani District
https:// District census.in/ Block / Benipatti

3 APMC Mandi 22
4 Wholesale Market 22
5 Godown 105
6 Haats 12
7 Sub Market Yard 79
8 Rice/ Flour Mill 12
Post-harvest – Facilities in the region
 Storage. Facilities, hygiene and monitoring must all be adequate for effective, long-
term storage. In closed structures (granaries, warehouses, hermetic bins), control of
cleanliness, temperature and humidity is particularly important.
 Cleaning/ Disinfecting: Proper hygiene is a major concern to all produce handlers,
because of not only postharvest diseases, but also incidence of food-borne illnesses
that can be transmitted to consumers. So, proper cleaning of produces is required by
packaging and transportation
 Processing. Excessive hulling or threshing can also result in grain losses
 Market and Transportation: Markets are located in main Patna, Saharsa, Madhubani
etc., sold outside by traders at Kolkata, Delhi, Ranchi.
5. Financial Aspects
This section covers share capital contribution, sources of finance available to farmers,
interest and existing outstanding and access to government programs etc.
5.1 Share Capital Contribution
The share capital includes the major lending’s done by Altogether 38 FPOs have been
registered under Producer Company’s Act and are funded by SFAC in Bihar state. But in
Madhubani district, no FPO has been registered under company or cooperative Act. All
these FPOs registered are involved in aggregating and marketing of agriculture as well as
horticulture crops. However, the share collection pattern of these FPOs is not known. As per
baseline survey and further discussion with line department officials of the district, it was
further assessed that farmer are ready to be a part or shareholder of FPO by contributing
share capital in the FPO amounting to Rs. 1000/ – Rs. 2000/member in the FPO which will be
registered in the Madhubani district.
5.2 Sources of finance available to farmers

Table 13: Banks and financial sources
S. Source Name of Bank No of KCC Account

No branches Holders
1 Commercial Bank Central Bank of India 127 1553 farmers

S. Source Name of Bank No of KCC Account
No branches Holders
and other Banks
2 Regional Rural Bank Gramin Vikas Bank 115
3 District Central Cooperative bank 14
4 Cooperative Agriculture and 04
Rural Development Bank
5 Primary Agriculture Cooperative Agri Societies 399
Society
It was also inferred that agricultural loans are offered to farmers, joint cultivators,
sharecroppers, tenant farmers, self-help groups and other persons engaged in agriculture.
With the help of Kisan Credit Card (KCC), farmers can take a short-term loan of up to Rs 3
lakhs in 5 years. 7
5.3 Existing Outstanding

Table 14: Loans and advances, Outstanding in Madhubani District, Bihar
Agency No of accounts Number of Advances

31- 31- 31- Growt Shar 31- 31- 31- Growt Share
Mar Mar Mar h (%) e (%) Mar- Mar- Mar- h (%) (%)
-19 -20 -21 19 20 21
Commerci NA NA NA NA NA 16317 17741 19655 10.79% 59.95
al Banks 5 4 1 %
Regional NA NA NA NA NA 54462 60600 68651 13.29% 20.94
Rural %
Banks
Cooperativ NA NA NA NA NA 13107 12834 17265 34.53% 5.27%
e Banks
Others NA NA NA NA NA 23837 30809 45391 47.33% 13.84
%
All NA NA NA NA NA 25458 28165 32785
Agencies 1 7 8
 Lead Bank of the District: Central Bank of India (CBI) is assigned the role of Lead
Bank of the Madhubani district of Bihar for all banking activities.
 Credit disbursement: The total disbursement in the priority sector was Rs. 201037
lakhs on 31st March 2019.
 Deposit and Advances: The total deposits amounted Rs. 7449.05 crore and advance
amounted to Rs. 4545.81 crore as on 31st March 2020.
7
Potential linked Credit Plan 2022-23, Madhubani (Bihar)

5.4 Access to Government Programs
The study revealed that cultivators particularly the marginal farmers and share croppers are
aware about the government schemes and benefits for the farmers. However, due to
lengthy and complex procedurals to avail the schemes dissuade them to approach further.
Different ongoing schemes are also applicable at block and district level from which farmers
can get benefitted are discussed below.
 Sub- Mission on Agricultural Extension: It supports State extension programs for

extension reforms through Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA),
various capacity building initiatives are organized for farmers i.e., training sessions,
demonstrations (for agriculture and allied sectors) and exposure visits.
 Organic Farming Promotion: It is a State Scheme under Agriculture department
which involves subsidy for setting up Vermi compost centres for promotion of
organic farming.
6. Risk Aspects
Agricultural risk is an uncertain event of any origin that results in a loss or damage to
agricultural production and productivity or its associated farm household income.
Stakeholders in agricultural value chains also face constraints and trends. The agriculture is
exposed to a variety of risks which occur with high frequency. These include climate and
weather risks, natural catastrophes, pest and diseases, which cause highly variable
production outcomes. Further, production risks are aggravated by price risks, credit risks,
technological risks and institutional risks. Therefore, in agriculture it is vital to identify and
evaluate risks to be sure that decisions made on the farm and in the market will bring
positive results to farmers. As, horticulture crop Mango is heavily grown in all over district as
inferred from baseline study and also it is the approved crop from DMC for the FPO. The
agriculture sector is subject to many uncertainties that affect the financial/economic health
of the farmers. Various risks which are faced by farmers are discussed.
6.1 Historical Risk

Table 15: Major Historical Risks Relevant to the Cluster
S. No Type of Crisis No. of farmers Month & Year of Crops involved in
affected at Occurrence Crisis
Benipatti Block
1 Scarcity of Water/ 25-30% May/ June-July Potato , Makhana,
Crop Diseases Maize, and other
fruits and vegetable
crops
2 Natural Disaster 45-50% Sept/Oct every year Paddy, Wheat, Maize,
(Flood)/ Incessant as region is prone to and different pulses
rain calamity
Source: Primary Survey

Scarcity of Water: Being rain fed area, major problem in agriculture in the areas is the
scarcity of water. Due to water shortage, major crops get spoiled. Hilly areas agriculture
land is scattered and it becomes difficult to the peasant/farmer to execute and manage any
agriculture activity.
Natural Disasters: The state of Bihar is very prone to various types of natural and manmade
disasters and is especially vulnerable to occurrence of floods. Bihar’s topography is marked
by a number of perennial and non-perennial rivers of which, those originating from Nepal
are known to carry high sediment loads that are then deposited on the plains of Bihar. As
discussed during study, during Kharif season approx. 85-90% of the farmers are been
affected from the disaster and is the cause of concern for loss of movable and immovable
property and lives.
6.2 Coping Mechanisms
As per the information collected during the baseline survey, to overcome above mentioned
risks, farmers are suggested to follow certain risk mitigation strategies to minimize the
impact on their socio-economic conditions. Various coping mechanisms methods followed
are discussed below:
 Crop diversification and Intercropping

 Plot Diversification
 Mixed farming
 Diversification of Income Sources
 Prevention of Pests and Diseases
 Insurance

7. Marketing Aspects
Marketing is dominated by few large wholesalers in selected districts who purchase
vegetables in large quantity, stock it and send it to different parts of the country on demand
basis across the year. They dictate the prices in local market and due to lack of farmers
organization or organized processing industry, producers or processors do not get their due
share of benefit in entire production and sale. In Bihar there is a good opportunity of
encasing the prospects with good production, storage, processing and transportation for
enhancing its growth. As a CBBO, we will facilitate in formulating an effective, accountable
and efficient crop specific supply chain to minimize the market risks and ensure access to
potential markets. Several networking and capacity building initiatives will be organized
periodically for the purpose.
7.1 Channels of Marketing
Farmers producing agricultural

produce are scattered in remote
villages while consumers are in
semi-urban and urban areas and
in some cases in the distant
international markets. There are
different agencies and
functionaries through which the
Fig 6,Marketing Channel - 1
produce passes and reaches the
consumer.
Small numbers of producers have direct dealings with the consumers or sell their produce
through the commission agents. From the study carried out it was analysed the retail
distribution is done by growers, contractors, commission agents and wholesalers, stall-
holders, shopkeepers and
hawkers in varying degrees.
At Madhubani district, it is
observed from the study that
the agriculture produces passes
through various intermediaries
Fig 7, Marketing Channel - 2 like pre harvest contractors,
middleman, processors,
wholesaler, retailers etc.

7.2 Presence of Weekly Haats in the Block
In Madhubani, there is a system of weekly haats and markets in the vicinity. Villagers
majorly prefer to sell their produce in nearby haats and get good amount for their produce.
At times, haat bazaars are organized in a different manner, to support or promote trading
by and with rural people. In addition to providing trading opportunities, haat bazaars serve
as meeting places, rural settlements come up around the haats which gradually grow into
towns also.
Table 16: Major name and location of the market

S. No Name and location of weekly Haat Distance in Km Major commodities handled
Market from block
1 Dhauwar Haat Market Benipatti 8-10 Paddy, Wheat, Makhana,
Potato, Makhana, Tomato and
Mango
2 Main Market 8-12 Paddy, Mustard, Maize,
Pulses, Fruits and vegetables
Source: Market Committee Office, Benipatti Block, Madhubani
As per baseline survey study, two nearby markets or Haat Bazaar exist in Benipatti region
namely Local market Dhauwar haat and main market of Madhubani.
7.3 Presence of Village Level Traders
As per interaction and surveys and consultation with different market traders, it was
inferred that the farmer generally sells their products to the vendors of the local market or
from Benipatti and Madhubani district. During discussion with famers of the region, they
shared that a group of traders pick the agricultural produce during season on weekly or
alternate basis and further marketing of vegetables, Maize and other agricultural crop is
done in Madhubani since it is a big district and it is near to Patna markets which operates on
daily basis in the region. Growers are forced to sell out due to non-availability of any
options.
Table 17: Distance of Major Infrastructure facilities from the block

Particulars Infra facilities from Benipatti Block
distance in (km)
All-Weather Road Distance 0.5 Km
Agril. Input Shop 7-8 Km
Machinery Repair Shop 7-8
Agricultural Extension Services District Town
Agrl. Output Market 7-8 Km
Development NGOs SAKHI 15Km
Cooperatives No
Banks 3km

Veterinary Clinic 7-8 km

7.4 Value Chain Analysis
We see that in Bihar, there is huge demand of Pulses, especially lentils have good market
prospects in the region.
A value chain is a sequence of related business activities (functions) from provision of

specific inputs for a particular product to primary production, transformation and
marketing, up to the final sale of a particular product to the consumer. It also includes the
number of intermediaries performing different functions, like producers, processors, traders
and distributors of a particular product linked by a channel through which the product
passes from primary producers to the end consumers. Thus, value chain actors, responsible
for movement of materials, information and/or services, share an interest in the end-
product.
The average yield of Pulse grain in Value chain from a pure crop variety from 5-6 quintal
per ha, whereas yields up to 10-15q per ha
Some of the assumptions of the price build up are:
 The most commonly observed trade channel has been selected for the price build-up
of mango i.e., Farmer-PHC-Wholesaler-Semi-Wholesaler- Processor/ Miller-
Retailer- Consumer. Pre-harvest contract
 This is the most commonly used sales system of Pulses. Around 70% of the pulses
farmer’s lease out to contractors. Under the pre-harvest contract, the farms are
auctioned at the time of harvesting – May-June/ April-May
Table 18: Value chain Commodities – Mapping in Pulses
Stake holder of Service performed Pulses (Lentils)
Value chain Rs/Qtl
Farmer Production, it shows that the farmers share in the value Selling Price-Rs.
chain is very less (only Rs. 40-45/kg) for their whole 14500
grain
Village level Trader Aggregation Margin- 12%
Wholesaler Facilitate buying and selling Buying Price-Rs.

16236
Margin- 14%
Processors Value addition Buying Price-Rs.
18509.00
Margin- 16%
Distributors Stockiest and distribution Selling price-Rs.
21,470
Margin- 12%

Stake holder of Service performed Pulses (Lentils)
Value chain Rs/Qtl
Retailers Point of sale Buying Price-Rs.

20678.00
Margin- 18%
Targeted market Used by Consumers Rs. 25,400 to
(consumer etc.) 27,600
We can infer from the above table that the farmer is at the peril of loss owing to the
intermediaries having a larger role and farmers have poor bargaining skills’, we further
observed from different stakeholders that the total surplus were not traded in the state.
Traders are often selling to other places like Kolkata, Silguri, and sometimes to MP and
Maharashtra from Bihar. Thus, we see that the Producers share in consumer rupees was
estimated at 68.86 Percent. That is why majority of area under Lentils were on bund despite
Fig 8, Value Chain of Pulses- Lentil @ Madhubani
of fetching higher income without using any fertilizer and other nutrient for their growth.
Pulse cultivation was an integral part of cropping system in Bihar 8 with 1644.8 thousand ha
area under total pulses and production of 987.4 thousand tones and yield of 600Kg/ha as
compared to national yield of 524Kg/ha- 2020-21.
1. The pulses are processed in to many values added products and before that, they
undergo many steps as mentioned below for processing to final product- Dals-
Split/unpolished
2. Basic processes in dhal milling are cleaning, de-husking, splitting, separation and bagging. Major
variation is involved with de-husking process only. Dhals like Arahar, urad, moong and Masoor/
8
http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod

lentil are difficult to de-husk as a result repeated operations by de-husking rollers are required.
Rewetting and drying are done to loosen portions of husk sticking after repeated rolling. Linseed
oil is used to impart shine or better appeal to the milled dhal.
3 Cleaning and grading: Pulses are cleaned from dust, chaff, grits, etc., and graded according to
size by a reel type or rotating sieve type cleaner.
4. Pitting: The clean pulses are passed through an emery roller machine. Husk is cracked and
scratched in this operation. This is to facilitate the subsequent oil penetration process for the
loosening of husk. The clearance between the emery roller and cage (housing) gradually narrows
from inlet to outlet. As the material is passed through the narrowing clearance mainly cracking
and scratching of husk takes place by friction between pulses and emery. Some of the pulses are
dehusked and split during the operations which are then separated by sieving.
5. De-husking and Splitting: Emery rollers, known as Gota machine are used for the de-husking of
conditioned pulses About 50 % pulses are de-husked in a single operation (in one pass). De-
husked pulses are split into two parts also, the husk is aspirated off and de-husked split pulses are
separated by sieving.
6. In India, there are two conventional pulses milling methods; wet milling method and
dry milling method. The latter is more popular and used in commercial mills. The dry
milling quality is found to be good and on an average 70-72 % dhal recovery is reported.
Wet milled dhal is of better taste than dry milled dhal, but takes longer cooking time.
Fig 9, Processing of Lentil/ Pulse

7.5 Gaps Identified in Value Chain Analysis
 With the expansion of area under pulses in Bihar, and it is being the more profit in terms
of cultivation of picking up pace as compared to paddy/vegetables in the state, which
has already been exhausted, the only way to enhance profitability in pulses cultivation
is through modern technology.
 Due to the absence of proper marketing system in the block small and marginal farmers
have to sell their produce to the local markets or they have to sell to other markets such
as Benipatti/ Pasara/ Bisfi block or to adjoining Madhubani district, which is far from the
farmland, causing lesser price realisation value. Only few progressive farmers are able to
sell their produce at Bengal and other region in Bihar, even in Punjab and Delhi
 Due to the absence of warehouses, proper logistics and farm mechanism
services/technologies in the block farmers are facing lesser realisation value for their
produce and are forced to sell it to local vendors who ultimately creates handsome
number of profits from it. Now, few Warehouses are being made to facilitate the
farmers to get the revenue.
 Due to the absence of proper marketing system in the block small and marginal
farmers have to sell their produce to the local markets or they have to sell to other
markets such as Madhepura, Patna, Muzaffarpur etc. which is far from the farmland,
causing lesser price realisation value.
 Due to the absence of proper warehouses, proper logistics and farm mechanism
services/technologies in the block farmers are facing lesser realisation value for their
produce and are forced to sell it to local vendors who ultimately creates handsome
number of profits from it.
 Demonstration of these practices have been organised at KVK campus as well as at
farmers’ fields, however, there is still resistance to adoption of these practices amongst
the farmers and awareness is very low in Benipatti area.
7.6 Availability of Storage Infrastructure

Table 19: Marketing Infrastructure and processing unit development in the region
S. No Type of Infrastructure Numbers
1 Rural Markets 1469
2 Wholesale Market 325
3 Godown 354
4 Market Yards 86
5 Cold Storage 5
6 Principle Markets 95
The state government has made a comprehensive scheme for the development of
agricultural marketing infrastructure including terminal market complexes, post-harvest
infrastructural facilities and on farm processing centres etc. The infrastructure in the existing
Mandis of the district is highly inadequate and the facilities & functioning has further

deteriorated in the absence of an institutional body. The existing infrastructure in the
market yards can be strengthened utilizing the subsidy under the scheme for
development/strengthening of agricultural marketing infrastructure, grading and
standardization.
For further market of produce to other nearby states or districts, the Benipatti/ Pasara
village, Madhubani district is well connected with road network with the help of auto vans
and trucks and nearest railway station is Benipatti only, there is direct connectivity between
rail and roads, while nearest airport is Darbhanga (60-70kms) which is recently developed.
8. Best Practices
The state of Bihar has made many progresses, has adopted sustainable agricultural
practices such as drip irrigation, composting, organic farming, post-harvest management
(PHM), bamboo stacking, organic fertilizers, bio-pesticides etc. To facilitate the same,
farmers use practices including usage of recycled and composted crop wastes and animal
manures, crop rotation, green manuring, intercropping among others. Some of the other
best practices adopted at the state level are : 9
 Promotion of DSR in rice/basmati rice

 Makhana Promotion and Processing Unit
 Pulse Mills/ Processing facilities
 Cultivation of rust-resistant varieties of wheat
 Creating awareness about use of fungicides for control of yellow rust
8.1 Pre-Harvest Best Practices
Some of the sustainable agriculture practices which are being adopted in the region are as
follows.
1. Soil & Climate
 Pulses/ Lentils/ Moong is grown on a wide range of soils ranging from light loamy
sand to heavy clay soils in northern parts, and in moderately deep, light black soils in
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Its range of cultivation extends to an altitude of
3500m. The optimum temperature for its growth and development ranges from 15
to 250C
2. Land Preparation
 After harvest of kharif crop, land should be ploughed once with soil-turning plough.
This should be followed by cross-harrowing and planking. Raised bed planting is
beneficial than flat bed sowing. Well - drained, light textured, loose, friable sandy
loam or sandy clay loam soils required. Lack of proper drainage adversely affects
root respiration, resulting in inhibition of root growth, ultimately affecting the plant
growth and development through retarded metabolic functions. In the absence of
adequate oxygen in the root zone, beneficial soil bacteria, especially the nitrogen
fixers become ineffective and uptake of nitrogen by roots is hampered.
9
State-wise Best Practices, Farmers’ Portal, accessed on 21 July 2021

3. Seed Rate
 The seed rate for small-seeded varieties is 30-40 kg/ha and for bold seeded varieties,
it is 50 – 60 kg/ha
4. Seed Treatment
 Seed priming by overnight soaking in water, fungicide treatment (Bavistin 2 g/kg of
seed), Rhizobium application (20-30 g/kg of seed) were found to help in crop
establishment. Lentil being a legume crop fix the atmospheric nitrogen with a group
of bacteria of Rhizobium family.
5. Manures and Fertilisers
 Fertilizer should be applied as basal (at the time of sowing). Nitrogen: 20 kg/ha
(Urea: 45 kg/ha) Phosphorus: 60 kg/ha (SSP: 375 kg/ha) Potash: 60 kg/ha (MOP: 95
kg/ha
6. Sowing
 The seed is sown in the second fort night of October under rainfed conditions.
However, it can be sown in the first week of November in irrigated areas. Under late
sown conditions, the seed can be sown up to second week of December
7. Spacing
 The plant-to-plant distance should be 10 cm and row-to-row spacing is 25 cm
8. Varieties
 The small seeded varieties resistant to rust are PL 406, PL 639, PL 4 and PL 4147.
Bold seeded varieties resistant to rust and wilt are L 4076, LH 84-8 DPL 15, IPL 406,
DPL 62 and JL 3. The recommended varieties for north eastern region are HUL-57,
KLS 218, Shalimar Masoor.
8.2 Post Harvest Best Practices

Some of the sustainable post-harvest agriculture practices which are being adopted in the
region are as follows.
 Harvesting:
To avoid loss because of the shattering of pods, the crop is harvested before it is dead
ripe. One or two rounds of the picking of pods are also recommended to avoid losses
because of the shattering. The plants are uprooted or cut with a sickle, are dried on the
threshing-floor for a week or ten days and threshed by beating with sticks, and are
winnowed with baskets. The average yield of grain from a pure crop variety from 5-6q
per ha, whereas yields up to 10-15q per ha.
 Cleaning: Cleaning is the process to remove stones, straw chaff, foreign matters and
immature/empty grains within pulse/Urad after threshing and drying. High percentage
of chaff, foreign matters include the soil piece, sand, small stones, metal debris, plastic
or paper pieces, twig and branches, wood piece, weed seed, other grains, chemical and
poisonous matters, etc., will unnecessarily increase the number of sacks of pulses and
weight, which may cost the grower avoidable transport fees and milling fees paid the
mill operator.

 Storage: The purpose of grain storage facility is to provide safe storage conditions for
grain in order to prevent grain loss caused by adverse weather, moisture, rodents, birds,
insects and micro-organisms.
9. Constraints and Challenges

The agro-climatic environment of Bihar is favourable for about all types of Crops. The
landholding pattern in Bihar is scatter and more than 70% of community belongs to marginal
land holding segment. The farmers of block responded that price gap between the
procurement price and selling price is a main constraint faced by them due to poor
marketing channel. As discussed during the baseline survey, the major constraints that are
been faced by local farmers of the block are discussed below.
9.1 Constraints and Challenges faced by small, marginal and landless farmers
 Lack of processing machinery and equipment: From the primary survey, it was
reported that it was a major problem expressed by the processor. Processing of
makhana seed is done by old traditional practices. Processing of makhana seeds is
laborious, time-consuming process and causes pain or burns and injuries to the
processors hands as it involves handling of hot roasted nuts manually.
 Lack of Credit facility: It is also the serious constraints for the makhana cultivation,
as the processing is laborious process and is done in various stages. When the
cultivators are in need of money, they have to depend on the money lender for the
credit requirement.
 Dependence on Climate: Drying of makhana seed during processing is done in sun
light which depends on climatic conditions. It is one of the constraints for processing
as the harvesting starts in the month of July September and depending on climatic
conditions there is chance of getting rains.
 Price Fluctuations: Market intermediaries considered high price fluctuation of
makhana as major constraint. The price fluctuation varies greatly as in off season the
price falls which effects market intermediaries as well as the cultivator and
processor. Likewise in festival seasons the price rises.
 Unorganized and inadequate market: Availability of market with assured price is
one of the best incentives to motivate the farmers to adopt new farm technology for
enhancing crop production. However, during interaction with farmers, they shared
there is no regulated market or marketing cooperatives for marketing the surplus
produce in the region. The village traders or middle man and commission agents play
a vital role in marketing of horticulture and vegetable crops and the traders always
have full advantage of the situation. Also, the local farmers of the region said that
they were not getting the expected return for their produce and hence incurred
losses at time in cultivation of crops.

 Constraints related to Quality Input Supply: As discussed and inferred from the
baseline survey, most farmers in the block uses certified seeds of paddy and wheat
bought from private input dealers. There is considerable price variation across the
villages. A similar pattern has been observed in the case of wheat and paddy.
Fertilisers are generally procured from private input dealers. Farmers mostly relied
on non-institutional sources for borrowing money to meet their cultivation needs. In
fact, these constraints affect the profitable cultivation of crops and farm-level
innovation with new methods of cultivation and new crops.
9.2 Constraints and Challenges faced by the Traders
 Labour problem: As discussed during study, sometimes inexperienced or new

workers is also an issue and is a risk to the traders. These problems result in lower
productivity, and spoil the quality and have an effect on profitability.
 Inadequate Finance: Small traders usually don’t have enough long- term or short-
term funds. These are, therefore, short of both fixed assets as well as working
capital. The main reason for this issue is less availability of credit/loans not getting
approved because of weak finances and creditworthiness.
 Lack of storage facilities in market area: Due to absence of storage facilities in
market, traders are not in a position to hold stock for longer, therefore they have to
sell the surplus stock sometimes at low or un-remunerative prices. Due to
unavailability of the infrastructure in the region, farmers are forced to dispose off
the produce to major chunks players prevailing in the region.
 Logistics
 High transportation cost due to low volume of produce and distant location
of farm from mandi
 Frequent roadblocks due to heavy rain falls.
 In the absence of co-operative effort by growers, difficulty in aggregating the
produces making it unfeasible for transportation and thus reducing the
negotiation power of producers vis-à-vis traders

9.3 Constraints and Challenges- SWOT Analysis of Benipatti Block- Madhubani District
Strengths Weakness
 Suitable soil conditions for growing a  Lack of awareness among farmers for value
variety of horticulture crops including addition of the produce
Makhana / Pulses/ Litchi etc.  Limited accessibility to input dealers
 Adequate basic amenities concerning  Lack of access to formal channels of financing
internet coverage, electricity and water  Lack of weekly haats and gramin bazaars at
 Adequate rainfall and climatic conditions the block level
to support the cultivation of horticulture  Limited use of organic fertilizers and bio-
crops pesticides
 Organic farming Prospects  Inadequate storage infrastructure leading to
distress sale
 High transportation cost due to low volume
of produce and distant location of farm from
markets
 Lack of market information among farmers
 Limited access to good quality seeds
Threats Opportunities
 Natural calamities such as unconditional  Trade of Multi-seasonal crops
heavy rains affect the production &  Availability of surplus production for sale
supply in Madhubani Region.  Awareness among farmers concerning FPO
 Crop diseases are common leading to loss benefits
of production  Upcoming packaging, processing and
 Lack of awareness collection center for Makhana, Pulses
 Competitive business environment  Good fertility practices in the region
 High transportation and operational
charges

10. Scope for Intervention along with convergence
10.1 Training and capacity building: During primary survey in the block, it is observed that a
well-structured technical upgradation and training is required for the farmers. As a CBBO
agency, we will develop training and need assessment modules in a manner. The experts
can be approached to educate farmers on the relevant topics in a local language. Keeping in
view the COVID situation and good internet coverage in the area, such training can be
conducted virtually wherever possible: Good agricultural practices sessions for member
farmers of FPO
10.2 Custom Hiring Centres and input shops: As revealed from primary survey and
respondent’s suggestions that supply of inputs are limited and not sufficient to cover whole
block. With institution named FPO, bulk purchase and supply of Agri inputs can be done as
per the demand of farmers on timely basis.
10.3 Credit linkage: The flow of credit to the farmers is an important criterion to encourage
them for intensive cultivation and adoption of new farm technology in crop cultivation.
Most of the farmers faced financial problem in their pursuit to crop cultivation.
10.4 Seed and Crop Production: Farmers of the Benipatti block majorly adopt traditional
way of farming. Generally, they preserve seeds (i.e., home grown seeds) at the time of
harvesting for next cycle of production. Farmers will be motivated for adoption of hybrid
seeds for better productivity of the crops.
10.5 Value addition and processing: It is observed that there is no processing centre
available in the block or nearby region. Due to the absence of post-harvest management
services in the block, farmers are facing problems in getting better realisation value for their
produce. We will strengthen farmers through channelising them with Agriculture
Infrastructure Fund (AIF), help them in setting up small mills and processing units through
our FPO so that their price margin increases and they get remunerative profit for their
produce.
10.6 Market linkage and market information: During interaction with farmers, they shared
there is no regulated market or marketing cooperatives for marketing the surplus produce in
the region. There is a huge potential for value addition and processing of crops cultivated in
the cluster. However, farmers of the region are lacking facilities for primary processing such
as grading, packaging and value addition of commodities. Establishing common service
canters along with facilities of primary processing, packaging & logistics in the cluster will go
a long away in overcoming challenges of production.

10.7 ODOP crop of the block: Under the scheme of ODOP, the allotted crop from DMC is
Lentils/Pulses and it is grown in abundance in most of the parts by the farmers and can be
major revenue generating crop along with Makhana crop, if proper marketing and
transportation facilities available. The major varieties grown in the region are: BDU- 1, TAU-
1. TAU-4, Pant-U235, Azad-1, Red Malka, Pusa Variety.
Lentils are a type of pulses like red lentils, moong, yellow gram, split chickpea, pigeon
peas etc. Dried beans like red kidney beans, black eyed peas, pinto beans, black beans, are
also a type of pulses. Pulses also include chickpeas, dried peas.
The different varieties of Pulses are relished with great fervour and there is also ample
scope for value addition in Pulses and products sold by the farmers can fetch good revenue
like Dry dal, Powdered dal, Split and Unsplit Dals, Polished, Dal curry, Dal Fry, soup of Lentils
is also popular, etc.
10.8 Scope of convergence: The study revealed that cultivators particularly the marginal
farmers and share croppers are aware about the government schemes and benefits for the
farmers. However due to lack of information on lengthy and complex procedurals to avail
the schemes dissuade them to approach further. As a CBBO agency, we will facilitate long
term collaborations with institutions or individuals such as input suppliers, output markets,
service providers like input suppliers and research institutions. Different ongoing schemes
from which farmers can get benefitted are discussed below.
 Neem- Coated Urea: This scheme was introduced for improvement in soil health,
reduction in pest and disease attack thereby reduction in usage of plant protection
chemicals and overall increase in the crop yield and reduces diversion of urea.
 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): It is a Central Sector Scheme to support
and promote organic farming and thereby improving soil health. This will encourage
farmers to adopt eco-friendly concept of cultivation and reduce their dependence on
fertilisers and agricultural chemicals to improve yields.
 Moreover, schemes such as NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture), NFSM
(National Food Security Mission), NMAET (National Mission on Agriculture Extension and
Technology) provide financial assistance for training of farmers and farmers’ groups on
various topics such as plant protection measures, vegetable production, cropping system, soil
health, seed production and technology etc.10
10
Training of Farmers and Farmers’ Groups, Pattern of Assistance in Various Schemes of Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation, Min. of
Agriculture, Govt. of India website accessed on 22 July 2021

11. Activity Wise Work Plan
Key Activity Year I Year II Year III Year IV Year V
 Developing  Pre - Project  Strengthe  Promotion  Strateg  Transfer
an enabling Implementa ning of of FPOs ies to of
environmen tion- FPOs with Infrastruct scale owners
t for the Identification release of ure up hip of
promotion , selection of first through busine FPOs to
of FPO Blocks/ instalment various ss Executiv
 Understandi Villages of Equity schemes activiti e Bodies
ng the  To conduct Grant, such as es  MoU
cluster baseline  Proposal Agricultur  Will signing
appropriate survey and for release e facilitat for long
ness, Detailed of second Infrastruct e audit term
existing project instalment ure Fund, of FPO support
resources, report of  Institution with
key crops, submission Managem al Linkages FPO
and current  Requisite ent cost of FPO  FPOs
cropping statutory  Convergen through are
practices, requirement ce with various regular
etc. s for FPO different portals in
 Setting shall be govt like E- conduc
grounds for obtained schemes NAM, ting
promotion  Office for Artificial BOD
and Infrastructur strengthen Intelligenc meeting
Formation e ing of FPO e s, AGM
FPO development  Issue of and
Setting and share share Audits
grounds for capital certificate
preparation mobilisation, s
of business  appointment  Proposal
plan and of Executive for release
DPR for members of of third
FPO, FPO and instalment
 Strengtheni release of of
ng of FPOs FPO managem
 Market management ent cost
linkage and cost
branding of  Involvement
FPO of
 Networking stakeholders
and of FPO in
institutional Formulation
linkages of Business
 Aligning the Plan
project
performanc
es with its
objective

11.1 Project cost and financing structure
FPO Costing for 5 years
1 FPO Operation Cost (One time Unit Type Quantity Unit Year- Year- Year- Year- Year-5 Total Remarks
cost) Cost 1(In 2 (IN 3 (In 4(In (In
(In lakhs) Lakhs Lakhs Lakhs Lakhs)
Lakhs ) ) )
)
A Office Establishment cost Furniture/ Logistics 1 9000 90000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 90000. Office
0.00 .00 00 establishment is
one time
investment and
shall be borne
through FPO
Management cost.
B HR Costing - Salary Heads CEO Salary+ Accountant 60 3500 42000 42000 42000 42000 420000. 210000 Upto three years
0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 00 0.00 the cost will be met
by FPO
C Utility Cost Rent+Electricity+Interne 12 1200 14400 14400 14400 14400 144000. 720000 management cost.
t 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 00 .00 Onwards FPO will
D Stationery Cost Lumpsum 12 250 3000. 3000. 3000. 3000. 3000.00 15000. meet it through its
00 00 00 00 00 own resources
E Travel cost / Lodging Daily conveyance 12 1500 18000 18000 18000 18000 18000 90000.
00
F Printing Cost/ Leaflets/ Stationery Reports +Data Letter 12 300 3600 3600 3600 3600 3600 18000.
00
SUB 303300
TOTAL - 0.00
I
2 Business Activity Cost (Pre-
Harvest)

A Purchase of Agri Input Cost Seeds+Fertilizers+Pestici 1 2000 20000 20000 20000 20000 200000 100000 Will be borne by
des+Insecticides 00 0 0 0 0 0.00 Equity of FPO
B Technology Introduction cost Training cost Material 3-4 1500 15000 15000 15000 15000 150000 615000 will be facilitated by
(Different Irrigation cost) cost Training / 00 0 0 0 .00 CBBO & through
year diff govt. subsidy
schemes
D Farm Management cost Labour/ weed removal 300 600 18000 18000 18000 18000 180000 900000 Will be borne by
etc. 0 0 0 0 .00 Members of FPO
E Institutional Linkage with Input Trainings 4 5000 20000 20000 20000 20000 20000 100000 Will be Facilitated
supply / Machine supply) .00 by CBBO
SUB 261500
TOTAL - 0.00
II
3 Business Activity Cost (Post Procurement of Dependin 30000 40000 50000 60000 1000000 280000 Will be managed by
Harvest)- Produce of FPO g upon 00 00 00 00 0 00.00 Equity and Profits
Members/ Storage & the of the FPO. It will
Facilitation Marketabl be manged by 60%
e surplus cash & 40% credit.
of
members
SUB 280000
TOTAL - 00.00
III
4 Branding & Institutional linkage Will be facilitated
cost - by CBBO
Buyer/ seller Meet Meet/ Year 4 1000 40000 40000 40000 40000 40000 200000
0 .00
A Participation in Fairs/ Trade Fairs Meetings/ Participation 4 1500 60000 60000 60000 60000 60000 300000
etc 0 .00
B Certification cost Organic certification of 100 250 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 12500. Will be borne by
Produce 00 FPO
SUB 512500
TOTAL - .00
IV

5 Statutory Compliances
A Obtaining license and statutory Seed / Fertiliser/ Mandi 1 1500 15000 12000 12000 12000 12000 63000. Will be borne by
Clearance 0 00 Members of FPO
B Annual audit and Filing to ROC Audit charges 1 1000 10000 10000 10000 10000 10000 50000. Will be borne by
0 00 Members of FPO
C Other Statutory Compliances Miscellaneous charges 1 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 25000. Will be borne by
00 Members of FPO
SUB 138000
TOTAL - .00
V
6 Post-Harvest Support
Infrastructure
As Per need of FPO Lump 200000 Funds will be
sum 00.00 mobilised through
Agri Infrastructure
Fund and govt.
subsidies and
different ongoing
schemes of Govt
SUB 200000
TOTAL - 00.00
VI
Total 542985
Cost 00.00
Total Financial for 5 years is Rupees Five crore forty-two lakh, Ninety-eight thousand and five hundred only
Source of Financing: 1.FPO Management Cost - 1800000
2.Matching equity Grant cost - Rs 1500000
3. Loans & Grants

11.2 Means of Finance
The costing has been on the assumption and available data. It will vary from FPO to FPO.
The actual finance will be covered in the business plan once the farmers mobilization and
collection of share capital is completed. The real status of business activities will be cleared;
and business plan will cover the real reflection of FPO’s financials and Profit and Loss
account.
12. Conclusion
Based on the SWOT analysis and assessment for the scope of the FPO in the Benipatti block
at Madhubani district / block, it is inferred that a formal collective structure can be placed to
support the farmers in overcoming the existing challenges while taking advantage of the
current opportunities. A Farmer Producers Organization (FPO) can fill in the gap to benefit
the local farmers socially and economically. So, we shall sensitize the FPO members to
cultivate, learn nuances on different aspects of marketing and earn a good chunk of profit
through Pulses . As a CBBO agency, our strategies and approach would include:
It has been further observed that lack of market exposure deprives farmers of getting a
good price for their produce, while the regulated markets of Madhubani region, are
connected with Agmarknet. During the feasibility study, we have observed gaps in various
aspects of marketing that need a consolidated approach. we shall map the potential buyers
and markets along with the cluster and facilitates, institutional linkages by organizing buyer-
seller meets on a time-to-time basis.
 Farmers in the area are not able to access credit due to lack of documents to
assess the credit history. As a formal collective structure, FPO can take
institutional loans to be disbursed to their member farmers at a reasonable
interest rate.
 There is no formal mechanism in place to provide market related information to
farmers in the block. An FPO can help develop a market information system for
farmers to enable them to adapt to upcoming market trends.
 The FPO may facilitate sorting, grading and packaging of the produce as per the
market requirements for better price realization.
 The common facilities for value addition of fruits and vegetables may be
introduced to the members of the FPO with proper training modules for large
scale processing of available produce for socio-economic upliftment.
 Members of the FPO may be trained for large scale production of nursery seedling
for vegetable, flowers, and horticultural crops like Makhana, fruits like strawberry
and processing of cereals
 External agencies facilitate the quality seed at high cost, so, required Certified seed
may also be developed in the FPO
 Majority of the farmers are small and marginal and are dependent on informal
sources of financing. The farmers can be grouped into a collective structure which

can facilitate their linkage with formal sources at reasonable rates of interest.
 With fragmented landholding, farmers can’t access to modern technology due to
knowledge and resource constraint. The FPO can fill-in this gap for farmers to
access technology to improve productivity and yield quality.
 Due to high transportation cost, farmers are dependent on a few local markets to
sell their produce. For better price realization, FPO can aggregate the individual
farm produce to take it to distant markets in a cost-effective way.
 Due to inadequate storage infrastructure, farmers have to face production loss
and carry out distress sale. Also, they have to travel a long distance to store seeds
to cultivate the next crop. The FPO can establish the required infrastructure at a
local level to enable farmers to realize better revenue from the sale of their
produce.
 Through an FPO structure, member farmers can be guided to adopt good and
sustainable agriculture practices such as crop diversification etc to utilize the
available resources effectively and efficiently.

13. Photographs of Meetings held with details

Annexure-I Lists of Farmers covered in Baseline Survey
S. No State District Block Name of Farmer

1 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Urmila Devi
2 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rajkumar Gupta
3 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Ramrati Devi
4 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Sahdev Yadav
5 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Mahavir Singh
6 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Tara devi
7 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Jagdish thakur
8 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Haridev sharma
9 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Surendra sharma
10 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Pramila devi
11 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Shri Bhullamahraj
12 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Bhagendra Mahraj
13 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Bilath Prasad sharma
14 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Hariom sharma
15 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Ramkumar yadav
16 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Dineshwar yadav
17 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Sunil Kumar yadav
18 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Baijnath Mahraj
19 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Lalita Devi
20 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rajkumar ram
21 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti kamla Devi
22 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rita devi
23 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Moni kumari
24 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Bharti kumari
25 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rambahdur yadav
26 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rajeswar yadav
27 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Mamta Devi
28 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Kala Devi
29 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Janakdulari Devi
30 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Ravi Gupta
31 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Arun Gupta
32 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Bechan Yadav
33 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Devnayrayan singh
34 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Vijay kumar yadav
35 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Ramprichan yadav
36 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rampari Devi
37 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Shri Narayan Purne
38 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Rukmani Devi
39 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Pawan yadav
40 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Jamuna Prasad Gupta
41 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Tejilal singh

S. No State District Block Name of Farmer
42 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Satish kumar Gupta
43 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Sanjeet Yadav
44 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Dinesh Kumar singh
45 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Puran yadav
46 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Geeta Devi
47 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Vinita devi
48 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Ganga prasad Gupta
49 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Santoshi Devi
50 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Ram Prasad thakur
51 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Shiv ji gupta
52 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Natwar jha
53 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Sathrohan yadav
54 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Omkarnath
55 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Siyaram yadav
56 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti HARINANDAN YADAV
57 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti RINKU DEVI
58 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti ARTI DEVI
59 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti SIYARAM YADAV
60 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti YOGENDRA YADAV
61 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti HARIDEV SHARMA
62 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti RAMSARAN YADAV
63 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti JIWASH DAS
64 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti GURIYA KUMARI
65 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti SHTRUDHAN GUPTA
66 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti MUKESH KUMAR
67 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti SHIBU MANADAL
68 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti URMILA DEVI
69 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti RANIBATI DEVI
70 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti KUMARI DEVI
71 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Vikash kumar
72 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Dileep Kumar
73 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Labali Kumari
74 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Pappu Kumar
75 Bihar Madhubani Benipatti Yogesh Kumar

Annexure-II Baseline Survey Questionnaire
BASELINE SURVEY –FARMERS SCHEDULE
FORM NO.
1. Geographical Profile of the cluster
Name of the state Name of the Name of the block/blocks No. of villages Radius of
district associated the cluster
1. Socio-economic Profile of the Farmer:
Name of the Farmer

Father’s /Husband’s Name
Gender (Code: Male-1, Female-2)
Phone No.
Composition of the family Male Female Total
Social Category: (Code: SC-1, ST-2, OBC-3, General-

4)
Farmers’ Category: [Code- Marginal Farmer (up to 1
ha)-1, Small Farmer (1-2 ha)-2, Large Farmer (above ha)-3
Level of Education / Educational status: [Code:

Illiterate -1, Primary School -2, High School/Inter-3,
Graduate & above-4]
Land holding (in ha.) Irrigated Not Barren Total
irrigated
Land holding (in ha.) in leased

Livestock Holding  No. of Cows-
 No. of Buffaloes-
 No. of Goat -
 No. of Sheep-
 No. of Poultry birds-
2. Crop Profile of the cluster including seasonality and cropping pattern

Crop profile and seasonality
Rabi Kharif Zaid
Crop code; Paddy-01; Wheat-02; Pulses-03; Mustard-04; Maize-05; Millets-06; others-07 (Pl. specify)
a. Cropping Pattern Adopted [Area ha.]

Area put under Food Crops, vegetables, pulses and other crops during the last three years
Season 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
Rabi
Kharif
Zaid
2. Production and productivity of the cluster: Area and Production

status of
Agriculture/Horticulture Crops (i.e., sample area) (Year 2018-19)
Season Area (ha) Production (Qntl) Productivity (Qntl. /ha)

Rabi
Kharif
Zaid
3. Cost of Production per Ha Rabi/Kharif/Zaid:
Season Crop Fld Ppn Seeds Fertrs Irrign Wd. Chml/Pestd Any Total cost
code mgt. Other of Prdn
Rabi
Kharif
Zaid
4. Output cost per Ha.: Rabi/Kharif/Zaid
Season Crop CC Logistic PP AC TL TSC Other Total

Code Output cost
Rabi
Kharif
Zaid
Crop code: Paddy-01; Wheat-02; Pulses-03; Mustard-04; Maize-05; Millets-06; others-07 (Pl. specify)
Abbreviation: CC- Crop Cutting; PP- Primary Processing; AC- Agent’s commission; TL-Transportation
loss; TSC-Transit stay cost

7. Yield Per Ha. (OP variety)
Season Crop code Yield Per Ha.

Rabi OP Hybrid
Kharif
Zaid
Crop code: Paddy-01; Wheat-02; Pulses-03; Mustard-04; Maize-05; Millets-06; others-07 (Pl. specify)
5. Outreach of technology and technological innovation to the cluster: 8a. Farm Management
Practices:
Access to Soil Access to Crop Micro INM IPM MI GAP FM MH

weather test crop insurance irrigation
forecast advisory
Code-Yes-01: No-02
Abbreviations: INM-Integrated nutrient Management; IPM: Integrated pest management; MI-Market intelligence;
GAP-Good agriculture Practices; FM-Farm mechanization; MH-Mechanical harvesting
8b. Frequency of usage of technology:
Access to Soil Access to Crop Micro INM IPM MI GAP FM MH

weather test crop insurance irrigation
forecast advisory
Code-Yearly-01: Before season-02; once in year-03; half yearly- 04 quarterly-05, Monthly-06

Abbreviations: INM-Integrated nutrient Management; IPM: Integrated pest management; MI-Market intelligence;
GAP-Good agriculture Practices; FM-Farm mechanization; MH-Mechanical harvesting
5. Source, quality and availability of Input (Seeds & Fertilizers)
Source of purchase of seed /planting material (Code: Govt. agencies-1, SAUs/Research

Institutions-2, Cooperative societies-3, Private agencies/ Input dealers-4, Others-5
(specify)......................)
Quality of seed /planting material (Code: Good-1, Average-2, Poor-3)

Whether there was any difficulty in getting the seed/planting material? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
Whether [3] was available on time? [Code Yes-1. No-2]
Could you get the required quantity of seed/planting material from the market? (Code: Yes -
1, No-2)
[i] Whether satisfied with the quality of seed/planting material [Code: Yes-1. No-2]

ii] If not, the reasons therefore – [Code: Poor germination-1, Wide variation in growth-2, Any
other (specify)......................................................)-3
9. Agri -infrastructure and Post-Harvest Infrastructure/ Facilities Available in the district/area
Sr. No Infrastructure/Facility Whether service If yes, whether found to

availed of be useful
Pre-harvest infrastructure facility
Yes No Yes No Yes
1 Soil Test Lab
2 Agri-clinic
3. Weather forecasting
system
4 Disease forecasting Unit
5 Plant Health Clinic
6 Bio Control laboratory
7 Organic certification
Post-harvest infrastructure facility
1. CWC/FCI Ware house
2. Private warehouse
3. Yard for cleaning, sorting,
grading
4. Pack house
5. Multi- Chamber Cold
storage
If the service not availed of, reasons therefore: [Code: Not easily accessible -1 Charges are
high -2, Not found useful-3, Reports received late-4]
If service availed, whether recommendations on vegetable growing were followed (Code:
Fully-1, Partially-2, Not followed-3]
1. Financial Inclusion
Whether availing of any loan for Farming? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)

Source of finance (Code- Commercial Banks -1, RRB-2, Coop Bank/Society-3, Money
lender-4, SHG/Federation- 5, Commission Agents/Arhtias-6
Do you have KCC facility (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
Whether facing any problem in meeting with credit needs? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
In case of yes, the type of problems- [Code: Loan not being adequate-1, Delay in sanction-2,
Interest rate being high-3, Repayment period being short-4]
2. Awareness about Govt. subsidized programmes
Are you aware about any Government subsidy Programme? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
If y e s , t h e s o u r c e f r o m w h i c h y o u got s u c h i n f o r m a t i o n [Fellow Farmers-4,
Radio/TV/Newspapers-5, NGOs-6, Others-7 (Pl. specify )]
Whether you have participated in any Govt. sponsored programme on Promotion
Agriculture and allied sectors? [Yes-1 No-2]

] If yes, the name of the programme/scheme [Code NHM Prog-1, NHRDF Prog-2,
National Micro Irrigation Prog-3 State Govt. Prog-4
Year/s in which participated 2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
Whether the programme/scheme was found to be useful? [Yes-1, No-2]
10. Availability of Extension Services:
Are you aware of any extension services in your cluster (Code: Yes-1? No-2)
Which are the institutions you know about- Code-SAU-01, Research organization-02,
ICAR-03, ATMA-04, Other-05(pl. specify)
Are you seeking solutions to your problems from the Govt. Extension Deptt. / Other
agencies?
If yes, then how often? (Code: Always-1, Most of the time-2, Sometimes only -3)
Have you received satisfactory replies/solutions to your problems? (Code: Always-1,
Most of the time-2, Sometimes -3, Not at all-4
Whether officials of the State Horticulture/Agriculture Department visit your farm to
give you advice? (Code: Very often-1, Sometimes-2, Never-3)
Are you satisfied with the technical support received? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
11. Marketing aspects: Product supply chain and value chain:
Product supply chain

How are you selling your produce? (Code: At the farm gate -1, At the village haat/Apni Mandit-
2, At Wholesale Market-3, Selling on contract basis to corporates-4, Any
Other (specify)…................................. -5)
Distance between the farm gate and the sale point if the produce is not sold at the
Farm gate [Code: Up to 2 km-1, Above 2-5 km-2, Above 5-10 km-3, Above 10 km-4)
Name of Preferred Market:
Frequency at which you sell your produce (Code: Daily-1, Weekly-2, Fotnightly-3,
Monthly-4)
Product Value chain
How do you sell your harvested product: code-raw-01; After basic processing-02;
after primary processing -03
What are the activities you do under basic processing? Sun Drying-01; Cleaning &
Packaging-02; Only packaging-03; others-04 (Pl. specify)
What are the activities you do under primary processing? Cleaning-01; sorting &
grading-02, Packaging-03; other activity to minimize crop loss-04; others-04 (Pl.
specify)

Logistics
What is the mode of transport used? (Code: Own transport -1, Private transport -2,
Public transport-3, Any Other (specify).....................-4)
Transportation means adopted by farmers to market [Road-1, Rail-2] 1 - 5 Km-
5 - 10 Km
10 - 15 Km
15 - 20 Km
20 Km and
Above
Are you sharing vehicle for transportation with others? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
Problems, if any, in the transportation of produce to the market (Code: Not available- 1,
Available from a distant point -2, Uncertainty in availability-3, Transport is costly -4,
There are no proper link roads -5)
What is the normal time taken to take your produce to the selling point/market?
(Code: Up to 2 hrs-1, Above 2-5 hrs-2, Above 5 to 8 hrs-3, Above 8 hrs.)
Price recovery mechanism
Are you getting remunerative price for your produce? (Code: Yes-1, No-2)
Difference in price of the produce Sold by Farmer and the price Paid by ultimate
consumer [ Codes- 25%- 1, 25-50%- 2, 50-75%-3, Above 75%-4]
Are you getting more income after grading? [Yes-1, No-2]
What is the % increase in price after basic processing 25%- 1, 25-50%- 2, 50-75%-3,
Above 75%-4]
What is the % increase in price after primary processing 25%- 1, 25-50%- 2, 50-75%-3,
Above 75%-4]
Average Margins / Profits accessed at various stages (% margin/ profits per quintal)
Whether there is any time gap in the realization of the price against the produce sold
Code Yes-1, No-2]
If yes, the duration of such a gap [Code: Upto 1 day-1, 2-7 days-2, 7-15 days-3, Above
15 days-4]
12. Farmer Collectives and Other Disintermediation Initiatives observed
Details Name & No. of No. of Years Commodities Total

Address Farmer of Active & Qty. Annual
Members Operation Handled Turnover
(INR)
Farmer Cooperatives or
Producer Companies
Contract Farming
Farmer Markets
Farmer Cooperatives or
Producer Companies
Contract Farming
Farmer Markets


DPR - Benipatti, Madhubani

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DPR - Benipatti, Madhubani

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Contents

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 2 |Page

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 3 |Page

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 4 |Page

Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) or Farmers Producer Company (FPC) is basically a

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 5 |Page

Madhubani district is one of

The district Madhubani lies

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 6 |Page

2. Demography and General Information of Block- Benipatti

Table 1: Benipatti Block and Pahara cluster level information

Benipatti is one of the major blocks of Madhubani District in Bihar.

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 7 |Page

2.1 Education Status

2.2 Occupation Details

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 8 |Page

Table 2: Benipatti Block and Pahara cluster level Occupational information

2.3 Social Category of the Cluster

Table 3: Benipatti Block Social category of the cluster

Total population 3,61,400 20,611 5.72%

Total households 43,201 11140 25.79%

Predominant Hindu/ Hindu/ NA

Categories- SC 28,239 11543 40.89%

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 9 |Page

2.4 Household Size, Members

Name of Block Respondent Category

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 10 | P a g e

Name of Respondent category

2.7 Mode of Transportation

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 11 | P a g e

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 12 | P a g e

Crop Year Season Area Production Yield Average

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 13 | P a g e

Table 8.1: Crop Production Statistics at Benipatti Block, Madhubani

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 14 | P a g e

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 15 | P a g e

 Conservation Agriculture Practices: This practice is mainly practiced in Madhubani,

4.1 Availability of Basic Amenities

Table 10: Details of Facilities available in the block.

2 Potable water Availability at the block 1034 52 % potable

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 16 | P a g e

4.3 Soil Types

 Newer Alluvium (Khadar)

4.4 Availability of Inputs

4.5 Access to Pre- and Post-Harvest facilities

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 17 | P a g e

Post-harvest – Facilities in the region

5.1 Share Capital Contribution

5.2 Sources of finance available to farmers

S. Source Name of Bank No of KCC Account

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 18 | P a g e

5.3 Existing Outstanding

Agency No of accounts Number of Advances

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 19 | P a g e

 Sub- Mission on Agricultural Extension: It supports State extension programs for

6.1 Historical Risk

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 20 | P a g e

6.2 Coping Mechanisms

 Crop diversification and Intercropping

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 21 | P a g e

7.1 Channels of Marketing

Farmers producing agricultural

Baseline Survey Report- Benipatti Block, Madhubani, Bihar 22 | P a g e