Balanced agric growth possible through extensive research: CM

From a Correspondent

JORHAT, Feb 23: Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal said that extensive agricultural research holds the key to balanced agricultural development in the country. Iugurating the 3rd tiol Youth Convention on “Transforming Agriculture for Agripreneurship and Employment Opportunities: The Youth Perspective” at the Assam Agricultural University in Jorhat on Friday, Sonowal said that Assam Agricultural University should take the lead in setting an agenda for the students to carry out research to propel agricultural growth in the State.

Sharing his experience as the son of a farmer, Sonowal said that he himself saw his father was engaged in agricultural practices throughout the year. However, lack of scientific exposure and research perhaps did not help the farmers of yesteryears to use agriculture to advance economic prosperity. He therefore, suggested that extensive research holds the key to balanced development of agriculture which in turn can play the role of force-multiplier for economic development.  He also hoped that the convention in Jorhat puts forward a set of recommendations to propel agricultural growth in the country. He also urged upon the assembly to send across innovative ideas, thoughts and suggestion for the farmers and agriculturists across the county for their use and benefit.  Citing a strong linkage of the Indian society with agriculture, Chief Minister Sonowal said, “Rishi and Krishi are the edifice of our culture and economy without which our existence will become meaningless. Therefore, we should give adequate importance to agriculture.”

He, however, maintained that his Government is giving importance to give boost to organic farming and is striving to maintain the growth story in sync with its ecology. He also appealed to the Assam Agricultural University to set out a future plan for Assam in the matter of Agricultural development and economic growth.  The 2-day convention has been organised jointly by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Assam Agricultural University and All India Agriculture Students’ Association.