Assam rapidly rising as a World hub of agricultural production – Minister

Central Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar has said in terms of agricultural production, Assam States is rapidly rising as a World hub.

Tomar virtually participated in the inaugural event of the National Agri-Horticultural Exhibition 2021, organized at the Bokakhat venue in the Golaghat district. He claimed Assam is fast growing in terms of agricultural production as a world hub.

Restating the pledge of the Union government to improve Assam’s agricultural industry, the Central Minister said Assam produces 50 % of the country’s tea and 28 % of its bamboo. He noted that the Ministry of Food Processing of his govt has launched a step to set up a huge food park that would greatly boost the state’s farmers’ income and Gross domestic product (GDP). Emphasising the measures taken by the Central Government for the welfare of farmers, he further told that approximately 13 lakh crore bank loans were sanctioned for country’s famers.

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Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal admired the Agriculture Department’s initiative and said that the agri-horticultural exhibition would help introduce modern farming methods to young people. He noted that through this show, young farmers would be able to gain knowledge about technological innovations, marketing opportunities and the added value of agri-products. He reported that there were a range of schemes undertaken by both by central and state governments to enhance rural livelihood and rural economy. He also urged farmers to work hard to boost their production and productivity and to realize the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of doubling the income of farmers by 2022.

Though calling on farmers to add value to agricultural products, the Chief Minister also called on them to make efforts to capture both national and foreign markets. He announced that, in addition to announcing a 1 lakh crore package to improve agricultural infrastructure, the Union government has introduced schemes such as Krishan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yoajana, Soil Health Card, KCC etc. to support farmers.

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Saying that the Assam govt has been honestly working to grow the agricultural sector since its establishment, the Chief Minister told that measures have been taken to increase the income of the farmers, such as the distribution of farm machineries like tractors etc. under Chief Minister Samagrya Gramya Unnayan Yojana, financial assistance under Krishi Sa Sajuli Yojana, etc. The Chief Minister also called on farmers to take full advantage of the Union government’s Act Eastern Policy and to contribute to boost the state’s economy.

Atul Bora, Assam Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing, said that the agri-horticulture exhibition, organized to provide a forum for better interaction between farmers, agricultural scientists and the public, training farmers, exhibition, seminar, etc., will attract farmers to commercial farming. He also encouraged farmers to be economically self-sufficient by operating with a competitive mindset.