Patna, Feb 7 (IANS) The US-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has expressed keenness to assist in the sustainable development of Bihar that will benefit millions of people, particularly poor farmers, an official said Wednesday.

A high level team of the foundation visited Bihar earlier this week to explore possibilities of helping in the modernisation of one of the country's least developed states that has one of the worst economic and social indicators.

"The team, during their three-day visit, discussed the matter with top government officials, agricultural experts, scientists, NGOs and representatives of farmers to plan the mode of investment," the official told IANS.

According to Alok Kumar Sikka of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (eastern region), the foundation has shown interest in the state's agriculture, horticulture, fishery and animal husbandry.

"The foundation is likely to provide training in high-tech agriculture and its management," the official added.

On Sikka's initiative, the team visited some villages in Patna district to get first hand information from farmers about agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery activities and their socio-economic conditions.

The team led by Rose Stener had four experts from different fields and are likely to visit Bihar again to discus their proposal.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had earlier expressed its willingness to help Bihar eradicate the deadly kala azar disease.

Last month, a global meet of 500 experts, including NRIs, economists and investors was also held to boost investment in Bihar.