The Union agriculture ministry’s plan to relocate the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) regional station from Begusarai in Bihar to Shivamogga in Karnataka has sparked a strong reaction from opposition party in the state.
The decision was revealed on Monday through a letter from Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Shivamogga’s Lok Sabha representative, B.Y. Raghavendra.
Chouhan’s letter, dated December 31, 2024, was in response to a request from Raghavendra to establish an Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – IIMR regional research station in Shivamogga.
“I appreciate your concern and feel privileged to inform that during the XVth Finance Commission period (Financial Year 2021-22 to 2025-26), the IIMR, Ludhiana’s regional station at Begusarai is approved for shifting to Shivamogga…,” Chouhan wrote.
He further added, “I believe this move will enhance the production and productivity of maize to its fullest potential and benefit farmers and stakeholders in the state.”
The decision has come as a surprise, particularly since many districts in north and northeastern Bihar have become key maize-producing regions. Bihar, known for its low per capita income, has been recognized as a major maize-growing area.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav expressed his outrage, saying, “What is the problem of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA and the BJP with Bihar that it has directed the IIMR to shift its regional station from Begusarai to Shivamogga? The Modi government is against Bihar and its farmers. Our farmers will pay it back.”
आखिर बिहार और बिहार के किसानों से क्या दिक्कत है प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी जी, NDA और भाजपा को?
भारतीय मक्का अनुसंधान संस्थान (आईआईएमआर) के बेगूसराय स्थित क्षेत्रीय मक्का अनुसंधान एवं बीज उत्पादन केंद्र को नरेंद्र मोदी सरकार ने कर्नाटक के शिवमोग्गा में स्थानांतरित करने का… pic.twitter.com/qA1bMlz8KI
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) March 17, 2025
He also pointed out that the maize regional station was established in 1997 during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Lalu Prasad and Prime Minister I.K. Gujral, calling the decision a betrayal of Bihar’s people.
Districts such as Araria, Begusarai, Purnea, Katihar, Samastipur, and Madhepura have excelled in maize farming during both rabi and kharif seasons.
Progressive farmers in Bihar have also criticized the decision to move the IIMR regional station from Begusarai. Kishore Jaiswal, Munger-based national convenor of Pragatisheel Krishi Manch, an organization of forward-thinking farmers, stated, “Maize is a crucial cash crop for Bihar’s farmers, especially in the era of climate change. It is not just a food grain but also an essential raw material for various industries like human food, animal feed, and ethanol production. This crop has the potential to drive industrial growth in the state. Shifting the IIMR regional station from Begusarai will certainly harm the farmers.”
