Sarbananda Sonowal lays stress on marketing opportunities, value addition of agri products

A CORRESPONDENT

NUMALIGARH: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal participated in the inaugural function of the National Agri-Horticultural Show 2021 held at Bokakhat stadium in Golaghat district on Thursday from the conference hall of his office at Janata Bhavan through virtual mode. The agri-horticultural show has been organized by the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing in association with Assam Agricultural University and Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal appreciated the initiative taken by the Agriculture department and said that the agri-horticultural show would help in introducing the youth to modern farm techniques. He observed that the young farmers would be able to acquire knowledge about technological innovations, marketing opportunities and value addition of agri products through this show. He informed that the Central and State governments had undertaken a number of schemes to boost rural economy. He also urged the farmers to work hard to increase their production and productivity and to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of doubling farmer's income by 2022.

The Chief Minister, while calling upon the farmers for value addition of agricultural products, also asked them to put efforts to capture national and international markets. He informed that the Central Government has adopted schemes like Krishan Samman Nidhi, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Soil Health Card and KCC to benefit the farmers, besides announcing Rs 1 lakh crore package to strengthen agricultural infrastructure.

Stating that the Assam Government since its formation had been sincerely working to develop the agriculture sector, the Chief Minister informed that steps like distribution of tractors under Chief Minister's Samagrya Gramya Unnayan Yojana, financial aid under Krishi Sa SajuliYojana were taken to increase farmers' income. The Chief Minister also called upon the farmers to take advantage of the Act East Policy enunciated by the Central Government and to contribute in boosting the economy of the State.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar while speaking on the occasion through virtual mode, said that Assam was fast emerging as a global hub in terms of agricultural production. Reiterating the Central Government's commitment for boosting the agricultural sector of Assam, the Union Minister said that Assam produced 50 per cent tea and 28 per cent bamboo of the country. He informed that the Union Food Processing Ministry had initiated move to set up mega food park which would help in increasing farmers income and GDP of the State. Highlighting the steps taken by Union Government for welfare of the farmers, Union Minister informed that around Rs 13 lakh crore bank loans were sanctioned to farmers in the country.

Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing of the Government of Assam, Atul Bora said that the agri-horticulture show, organized with an aim to provide a platform for farmers, agricultural scientists and common public for better interaction, farmers' training, exhibition and seminar, would attract the farmers towards commercial farming. He also urged the farmers to work with competitive mentality to be economically self-sufficient.

Minister of State (i/c) for P & R D, Naba Kumar Doley, Chief Minister's Media Adviser Hrishkesh Goswami and Chief Minister's Legal Adviser Shantanu Bharali were present at Janata Bhavan while the Chief Minister addressed the participants through virtual mode. State Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, MLAs Bhaben Bharali and Mrinal Saikia, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, Rajesh Prasad, Commissioner and Secretary of Agriculture Akash Deep, High Commissioners of Nigeria, Ghana, Mongolia, Fiji, Bhutan, Congo, Vice-Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, Dr.Bidyut Chandra Deka, Director of Kaziranga National Park, P Shivakumar, were also present, among others.

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