Patna: The Government of Bihar has decided to appoint one Krishi Salahkar (agriculture adviser) in each of the state's 8,463 panchayats to provide agricultural extension services.

State Agriculture Minister Renu Kumari said that the decision to appoint Krishi Salahkars was taken to give more thrust to agriculture. A sum of Rs 36.27 crore has been sanctioned for this, reports IANS.

The state government last month decided to set up five information centres with toll free numbers. Agricultural scientists and officials will be available at the centres to provide knowhow as well as help in solving farmers' problems, Kumari said.

Agriculture is the backbone of Bihar's economy, generating nearly 42 per cent of the state domestic product and employing 81 per cent of the workforce.

The sources said a Krishi Salahkar will be paid Rs 2,500 per month. Agriculture graduates and intermediate degree holders in agriculture would be preferred for the job.

Also, those who have been trained at the Rajendra Agriculture University at Pusa in Samastipur district and its affiliated colleges, and farmers trained by Krishi Vigyan Kendras would be considered for the post.