Assam Exported Rs 357 Cr worth of Agriculture Products amid Lockdown, Says CM Sonowal

Guwahati:

Despite the coronavirus-triggered lockdown that has been in effect from March 25 onwards, Assam cultivators have still been able to export ₹ 357 crore worth of agricultural prodice such as vegetables and fruits during the lockdown period.

Making this announcement via Twitter yesterday, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote, "It gives me great hope to know that nearly ₹ 357 crore worth vegetables, fruits etc have been exported from Assam during lockdown period. It is only through agriculture that we have to overcome all challenges and build a Aatma Nirbhar Assam."

This announcement has been made amid reports that ever since the lockdown was clamped across the country shutting 1.3 billion Indians closed indoors, the supply chain from farmer-consumer was snapped, causing great distress to the cultivators. However, in the second and third phases of the lockdown, the restrictions have been eased somewhat, and it is safe to assume that perhaps the farming community can breathe a bit easier now.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister himself went to Moroibari in Kamrup (M) district yesterday to observe the harvesting of rice crops. An evidently impressed Sonowal took to Twitter to write, "The farmers at Maloibari have given a shining example of self-reliance with cultivation of Boro rice. They informed me that they are producing 25-30 sacks of rice from 1 bigha land. I have directed officials present to provide required paddy seeds to these farmers by October."

The Assam CM, taking a break from his hectic schedule, could be seen interacting with the humble farmers and asking them about the farming economy in the community, where around 110 families reside and the chief occupation is farming.

In a video that Sonowal uploaded on Twitter, the CM, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing norms, could be seen interacting with several of the local farmers and making some inquiries about the nature of their profession. Sonowal could also be seen asking about the nitty grities of the farming profession and whether the farmers were facing any problems, such as flooding.

Sonowal captioned the video, "Rice fields are the backbone of our rural economy and farmers are its driving force. Glad to witness the golden paddy being reaped at Maloibari, Kamrup (M). As I interacted with the farmers, their hard work even in the time of COVID-19, inspire us all."

The farmers, on their part, seemed to be enjoying the Chief Minister's attention, and were all cheers, despite the grim turn that the economy has taken amid the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus contagion. Faces alight with smiles, they told the Chief Minister what their farming lives consisted of and about their fields and their crops and the source of income -- as a farmer is wont to do.

The Chief Minister was also accompanied by others, such as Cabinet Ministers Atul Bora and Siddhartha Bhattacharya. It may be mentioned here that according to Rice Knowledge Bank, Assam, rice is the single most important crop in Assam. It occupies 2.54 million ha of the gross cropped area of 4.16 million ha and contributes 96% of the total food grain production of the state. Assam is very well-recognized for its rich rice genetic diversity and the crop is grown in three seasons.