Agriculture has the potential to turn around State's corona-hit economy: CM
Scientists urged for developing methods of agriculture
GUWAHATI: As a part of sequel of activities for strengthening agro-based economy in the corona hit State, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday, visited Assam Agricultural University, Kahikuchi campus of Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Kamrup and asked the agricultural scientists to develop ways and means for triple cropping system in the State.
A day after his announcement of losing Rs. 1000 crore revenue everyday amid coronavirus pandemic in the State, Chief Minister Sonowal in an attempt to infuse fresh lease of life in rural economy, has asked the agri-scientists to empower the farming community as well as increasing fertility of the crop area to sustainably practise triple cropping system thorough out a year in the State. He said, "If this can be done it will help in ramping up production and at the same time State's self-reliance. In a State where approximately 53 per cent of the total workforce is engaged in agriculture, the sector, if practised scientifically, can turn around the State's economy which is in slump because of Covid 19 pandemic. He also asked the agri-scientists to take the lead to use agriculture in the State's endeavour to turn-around its corona affected economy.
Sonowal also visited a plot of land in Dhaincha, which is regarded as green manure to sustain high demand for organic farming. He requested the KVK functionaries for increased cultivation of Dhaincha to contribute increased production of agri-products. He also visited the plots of lands where lemon, mango, black pepper, pineapple, mango farming etc is done. He, in a bid to empower the farmers hit by the COVID 19, distributed vegetable seeds and paddy seeds. He gave away pulverisers, power tillers etc among the farmers.
Later, talking to farming community in KVK, he said that though COVID 19 pandemic has hit the nation hard with economy being the worst affected, the bail-out package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ushered in a ray of hope. He said that the Rs. 20 lakh crore stimulus package can strengthen State's economy with MSME sectors taking the lead. He also urged upon the farming community to take advantage of the bail-out package. He also said that the stimulus rolled out by the Centre would ensure sweeping reforms in farm sector enabling farmers to produce, procure and market their produce to help value addition. He also said that as part of Centre's announcement, the farmers will get freedom to sell their produce directly without any middleman to take away their benefits. He, therefore, urged upon the farmers not to be bogged down by the present situation and empower themselves, practise triple cropping as government would always be there to help them. Sonowal also planted mango saplings in the KVK campus. It was stated in a press release.