Farmers’ Voices Shape Political Narratives in the State’s 2025 Assembly Elections

Patna, India: As Bihar prepares for the 2025 Assembly Elections, agrarian challenges are taking center stage in the political discourse. With the state heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs over 76% of the population, recurring floods and waterlogging, compounded by stagnant yields and insufficient infrastructure, are shaping voter priorities.

According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), the state experiences annual flood damage affecting nearly 68% of its districts, with key agricultural areas like Darbhanga, Samastipur, and Sitamarhi bearing the brunt. These challenges are fueling debates on disaster preparedness, irrigation, and rural livelihood security, forcing political parties to address farmers’ concerns.

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Key Agrarian Issues Driving the Election Rhetoric

Flood Management

• Annual floods destroy crops and displace thousands. Farmers are demanding robust implementation of flood management projects like the Kosi River Embankment Plan and better utilization of funds under the Farakka Barrage Project.

Irrigation Infrastructure

• Despite abundant water resources, only 56% of Bihar’s farmland is irrigated, according to the Agricultural Census 2020-21. Political campaigns are now focusing on promises to expand canal networks and provide solar-powered pumps.

Crop Diversification and MSPs

• Farmers have raised concerns about inadequate Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) and lack of market access for crops beyond paddy and wheat. Initiatives to promote crop diversification and expand procurement systems have become critical talking points.

Debt and Input Costs

• Rising input costs for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, coupled with limited access to institutional credit, have left many farmers trapped in debt. Political parties are emphasizing farm loan waivers and microfinance reforms in their manifestos.

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Political Responses and Campaign Promises

Ruling JD(U)’s Development Pitch

• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlights achievements in rural electrification and the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission, aimed at water conservation and environmental sustainability.

RJD’s Focus on Farmer Welfare

• The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is pushing for a universal MSP law and improved compensation mechanisms for crop losses, promising a farmer-centric governance model.

BJP’s Infrastructure Commitment

• The BJP has proposed a comprehensive Flood Mitigation Master Plan, including advanced hydrological monitoring systems, and incentives for climate-resilient agriculture.

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The Farmer Sentiment

A survey by the Centre for Policy Research reveals that 67% of rural voters prioritize agriculture and flood-related issues over caste-based dynamics, signaling a shift in electoral priorities. Farmers’ groups have organized protests and public forums, demanding transparency and implementation of promises made in previous elections.

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A Defining Moment for Bihar’s Rural Economy

The 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections could mark a turning point in addressing the agrarian challenges that have long plagued the state. As political parties compete to win farmers’ trust, the emphasis on sustainable agriculture, disaster management, and rural livelihoods will likely determine the outcome in this agrarian-heavy state.

This election serves as a litmus test for how effectively governance can balance immediate relief with long-term agricultural reforms, setting the stage for Bihar’s rural resurgence.