GUWAHATI: State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA) vice-chairman Ramen Deka handed the first installment of fund for the project ‘Upscaling of Livelihood: Implication through Smart Agriculture and Agri-Eco-Tourism’ to the implementing partner Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat on Monday at an official function held at Borbheta, Borjuri, Kaziranga. The fund was received on behalf of AAU, Jorhat by the Director of Research (Agri) Dr Mrinal Saikia.
Attending the programme as the chief guest, Vice-Chairman Ramen Deka, while addressing the gathering, said that in order to be successful, the beneficiaries need to have ownership of the work to be taken up. He also emphasized that unless the project is successful, it will be hard to take such projects in the near future. The main emphasis of the project will be on the people living nearby area facing socio- economic challenges sustaining their livelihoods. He further stated that the project will primarily encompass the rural poor living in poverty, subsistence and semi-subsistence farmers, rural unemployed and self employed and private entrepreneurs.
The objectives of the project is to develop a climate-smart model of agriculture, create farmer-friendly waterharvesting structures, to maintain soil health and control pest and disease issues, to introduce climate change stress shouldering newer crop varities, to increase the beneficiaries knowledge, encourage the use of an integrated farming system, establish custom hiring centres for agri-units and create homestead gardening models and build tourist family accomodations. The estimated cost of the said project is Rs 5 crore approximately and to be implemented within five years.
The programme was attended KK Bora, organizing secretary Bharatya Kishan Morcha, Assam, faculties of AAU, Jorhat, representatives of Tea and Spice Board of India, members of Kaziranga Kishi aru Pyarjatan Samabay Samiti Limited, officials of SITA and other stakeholders, stated a press release.
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