U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Pelletier and Consul General Helen LaFave recently highlighted the collaborative efforts between the United States and India to assist farmers in Bihar in enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing climate-related challenges. During their visit to a project site supported by the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) in Bihar, they emphasized the partnership's commitment to boosting agricultural output, building climate resilience, and increasing farm profitability.
Pelletier noted, "The success of CSISA is a great example of the United States and India working side-by-side and making a positive difference in more than 300,000 people’s lives in India." The officials interacted with state government representatives, scientists, agricultural extension workers, and farmers at the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Research Centre for Eastern Region in Patna. This site serves as a demonstration area showcasing new technologies and farming practices that can enhance productivity.
The CSISA initiative is funded jointly by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It aims to support India's efforts to improve cereal production growth across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa through better cropping systems, natural resource management, development of new cereal varieties and hybrids, and increased investments in markets. In Bihar specifically, CSISA operates from Patna to develop high-yielding rice and wheat varieties that are tolerant to heat and water stress. Additionally, it helps small farmers collaborate to access cost-saving innovations.