It incorporates eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (except Chotanagpur plateau). It is a fertile alluvial plain drained by Ganga River and its tributaries. The average temperature of July month varies from 26°C- 4I°C and that of January month 9°C-24°C.
The amount of annual rainfall lies between 100 cm and 200 cm. The region has vast potential of ground water and surface runoff in the form of perennial rivers which is utilised for irrigation through tube wells, canals and wells. Rice, maize, millets in, kharif, wheat, gram, barley, peas, mustard and potato in rabi are important crops.
The agricultural strategy should include introduction of modern market oriented agriculture in place of the traditional one. Efforts should be made to improve and stabilise yield of kharif paddy which accounts for over 40 per cent of gross cropped area in the region. Similarly increasing maize production, replacing upland paddy and millets with fruits, vegetables and kharif pulses (Arahar), encouraging pre-kharif paddy (January to June) or maize in low lands, improving low land cultivation through water harvesting structures and alternative farming systems, and utilising chaur lands for pisciculture are some other suggested measures to boost up agricultural production.
The strategy also includes reclamation of 5.5 lakh ha of usar lands, 25.4 lakh ha of wastelands, and 16.5 lakh ha of fallow lands for agriculture and allied activities (agro-forestry, silviculture, floriculture etc.). Supplementary measures should include input delivery system, demonstration of recommended package of practices, particularly for kharif paddy, diversification of crops like vegetables and fruits, and provisions of processing and marketing facilities, poultry, dairying and inland riverine fishery.