Patna: Bihar’s women-led agri-entrepreneur network has emerged as a major rural enterprise ecosystem, with more than 4,600 active entrepreneurs collectively serving over 12 lakh farmers across the state, according to data reviewed during a two-day workshop and review meeting organised by JEEViKA in Patna.The Agri-Entrepreneur (AE) programme has trained 5,573 agri-entrepreneurs across all 38 districts. Of them, 4,473 are women, while 4,690 are currently operating enterprises that provide agricultural inputs, market linkages and advisory services.Officials said 3,149 entrepreneurs have established agri-input service centres, 830 are engaged in market linkage activities, and 380 have been integrated with farmer producer companies (FPCs).The programme has also recorded a rise in entrepreneurs’ earnings. The number of AEs earning more than Rs1 lakh annually increased from 1,480 in 2024-25 to 2,031 in 2025-26. Another 1,588 entrepreneurs reported annual earnings between Rs50,000 and Rs1 lakh.Data presented during the review showed that AE-led enterprises facilitated seed transactions worth over Rs142 crore and fertiliser business worth Rs265 crore in 2025-26. Nursery enterprises generated transactions worth more than Rs13 crore, while market linkage activities accounted for Rs139 crore. Overall, 4,637 entrepreneurs were connected to at least one business vertical during the year.The workshop on strengthening agri-input linkages brought together govt officials, representatives of seed and fertiliser companies, FPCs and agri-entrepreneurs to discuss ways to improve supply chains, expand market integration and strengthen partnerships across the agricultural ecosystem.
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Speaking on Saturday, BRLPS-JEEViKA chief executive officer Himanshu Sharma said the programme had emerged as a model of rural entrepreneurship by strengthening last-mile agricultural services while creating livelihood opportunities.Stakeholders also emphasised greater collaboration among agri-input companies, FPCs and agri-entrepreneurs to expand business opportunities and improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs.Five agri-entrepreneurs were felicitated for their contribution to the initiative, while four FPCs received certificates. One FPC and two agri-entrepreneurs were also given O-Forms to facilitate future business partnerships with input companies and distributors.
