Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar said that in terms of agricultural production, Assam is increasingly emerging as a global center.
Tomar practically participated in the inaugural event of the National Agri-Horticultural Display 2021, held at the Bokakhat stadium in the Golaghat district. He said Assam is fast growing in terms of agricultural production as a global center.
Repeating the pledge of the central government to improve Assam's agriculture sector, the Union Minister said Assam produces 50 percent of the country's tea and 28 percent of its bamboo. He noted that the Ministry of Food Processing of the Union has launched a drive to set up a mega food park that will help increase the state's farmers' income and GDP. Highlighting the measures taken by the Union Government for the welfare of farmers, the Union Minister told the country's farmers that approximately 13 lakh crore bank loans were approved.
Sarbananda Sonowal, CM of Assam praised the Agriculture Department's initiative and said that the agri-horticultural show would help bring new farming techniques to young people. He noted that through this exhibition, young farmers will be able to gain information about technical advances, marketing opportunities and the added value of agri-products. He stated that there were a variety of initiatives initiated by the central and state governments to improve the rural economy. He also urged farmers to work hard to improve 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 goods, 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 central government has introduced schemes such as Krishan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yoajana, Soil Health Card, KCC etc. to support farmers.
Declaring that the Assam government has been sincerely working to improve the agricultural sector since its establishment, the Chief Minister told that measures have been taken to increase the income of farmers, such as the distribution of tractors under Chief Minister Samagrya Gramya Unnayan Yojana, financial assistance under Krishi Sa Sajuli Yojana, etc. The Chief Minister also called on farmers to take advantage of the central government's Act Easy Policy and to contribute to improving the state's economy.
Atul Bora, Assam Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing, said that the agri-horticulture show, 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.
