Availability of Resource
Large Pool of Skilled Human Resource
- Bihar, with its sizable population, presents a significant pool of workforce potential for various industries, offering both skilled and unskilled labour for various industries. Bihar is the state with the youngest population, as approximately 53% of people are under the age of 35.
- There is a substantial workforce from Bihar contributing to industries in other parts of India and this is evident from the fact that approx. 15.29 lakh workers from Bihar are working in various sectors across India and the majority of them are ready to join industries in Bihar.
- The Department of Industries, Government of Bihar has also developed a job portal (https://biharhaitaiyar.in) and Mobile app for skilled workforce and Employers, where the job seekers can register themselves and search jobs which are suitable for them whereas the employers register and put-up job opportunities which are vacant at their end
- In recent years, the state government has been striving, through a number of programmes, to translate the large working-age population of Bihar into skilled human resources.
- The youth of Bihar are being empowered with skill development programmes tailored to meet modern industry demands. Training centres, vocational courses, and collaborations with industries are equipping the youth with employable skills, thus breaking the cycle of unemployment and migration. This shift is turning the state's demographic dividend into a driving force for growth.
- In Bihar, a male and female worker, on average, earn Rs 338 and Rs 244 per day, respectively, translating to a gender wage gap of 28 percent. At the all-India level, the wage gap was even wider, at 36 percent.
- Employment support through Jeevika, also known as the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS). Availability of approx. 1 crore Jeevika Didis aligns with the goal of bridging the skills gap and enhancing employability.
Below is the sector-wise breakup of skilled workers who returned during COVID-19 registered themselves and shown interest to work in Bihar:
| SL.NO | Sector | Total Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IT/ITES and ESDM | 41,136 |
| 2 | Food Processing & Agri | 25,231 |
| 3 | Textile & Handloom | 26,364 |
| 4 | Banking & Financial Services | 4255 |
| 5 | Mechanic | 60,329 |
| 6 | Construction | 9,78,954 |
| 7 | Healthcare | 17,455 |
| 8 | General Services (Helper, office Assistants etc) |
3,75,613 |
Apart from the above data there are many other people who are eagerly willing to return back and work in Bihar.
Rich Water Resource and Raw Materials for Industries
Rich Water Resource
Bihar is endowed with a network of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that constitute its water resource. These water bodies play a crucial role in supporting various sectors, including food processing, manufacturing industries, textiles and leather, and domestic needs. Some of the key water resources in Bihar are Ganga, Kosi, Sone, Gandak, Bagmati, Mahananda, Kamla, etc.
Apart from these perineurial rivers, various infrastructure projects, including dams, barrages, and embankments, have been constructed to regulate and manage water resources for irrigation, hydropower, and flood control.
Raw Material for Food Processing Industries/Agricultural Produce
Bihar is a significant producer of rice, wheat, maize, and pulses, which can serve as raw materials for food processing industries. Additionally, the food processing industry can use the state's abundant production of fruits and vegetables to make products like juices, jams, and canned products. Agricultural residues such as straw, husk, and biogases can be used for bioenergy generation and the production of paper, boards, and other bio-based products.
Year-wise Production Levels (in '000 tonnes) of Major Crops in Bihar (2019-20 to 2021-22);
| Major Crop | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Grains | 16379.9 | 17952.4 | 18486.9 |
| Cereals | 16045.5 | 17573.8 | 18099.0 |
| Wheat | 5579.3 | 6635.0 | 6889.8 |
| Maize | 3495.4 | 3521.4 | 3470.9 |
| Total Pulses | 334.4 | 378.6 | 387.9 |
Year-wise Production Levels (in '000 tonnes) of Major Fruits in Bihar (2019-20 to 2021-22):
| Major Crop | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makhana | 55 | 57.6 | 56.2 |
| Litchi | 307.7 | 308.0 | 308.1 |
| Banana | 1596.6 | 1596.5 | 1968.2 |
| Mango | 1540.8 | 1543.3 | 1550.0 |
Raw material for Textile & Leather based Industries
Bhagalpur cluster holds a leading position in India in the production & export of silk fabric. The state produces fine quality Mulberry, Eri and Tussar silk. Further, Silk products of Bhagalpur and Banka have been accoladed across the world. Bhagalpur Silk has been recognized as Geographical Indication (G.I.) Product. Bihar is one of the largest jute-producing states of the country. Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj and Supaul are the major jute-producing districts of the state.
Live stock population in Bihar (as per Livestock Census Report, 2019) -10% Growth as compared to 2012
| Livestock | Bihar (in millions) | India (in millions) | Share of Bihar in India, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 15.398 | 193.46 | 8.23% |
| Buffalo | 7.720 | 109.85 | 7.03% |
| Goat | 12.821 | 148.88 | 8.61% |
| Sheep | 0.213 | 74.26 | 0.29% |
Raw hides and skins production in Bihar (from slaughtered animals)
| Livestock | Bihar (in thousands) | India (in thousands) | Share of Bihar in India, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | 1459.51 | 12850.22 | 11.36% |
| Goat | 10938.07 | 106718.13 | 10.15% |
| Sheep | 157.46 | 65403.92 | 0.24% |
Source: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics-2021
Bihar's abundant livestock resources can contribute to the leather and leather goods industry. While Bihar possesses a variety of raw materials, effective utilisation and value addition require supportive policies, infrastructure, and industrial development strategies. Leveraging these resources can contribute to the growth of local industries, employment generation, and overall economic development in the state.
Market Linkages
One of India’s rapidly growing states, Bihar is the 3rd most populous state with an approximate 14 crore population (projected in 2023). This substantial population offers a considerable consumer base for various goods and services. Rising income levels, increasing urbanisation, and changing consumption patterns are contributing to the growth of the consumer market in Bihar.
This is particularly evident in sectors such as textiles, FMCG (Fast-Moving consumer goods), retail, electronics, automobiles, and real estate. Additionally, because of its proximity to the sizable markets of eastern and northern India, Bihar offers huge market access to manufacturers or service providers. Also, It's easier to access the export markets of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and SE Asia as compared to other major states.
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