Traditional cultivation of Assam must be transformed to agro-business: Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya

LAKHIMPUR: “The traditional system of cultivation in Assam must be transformed to agro-business. Otherwise the poor economic condition of the farmers cannot be changed. With this in mind, the Assam Agriculture University has taken up various steps to grow the agro-productivity in the State. The progressive farmers should come forward to avail the benefits of these steps,” stated Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya, the Director of Research (Agri), Assam Agriculture University (AAU) in Lakhimpur on Wednesday.

Attending as chief guest in the inaugural session of the Zonal Farmers’Meet at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) in North Lakhimpur, the agriculture scientists emphasized on the market orientation of agro-products of the State. He further appealed to the farmers to take the advantage of agro-mechanization in farming works in order to possible the drastic change in cultivation system.

The event was organized by RARS, North Lakhimpur in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Udalguri and Darrang districts with the participation of 500 farmers of North Plain Zone under RARS, which covers the six districts. It began with the lighting of ceremonial lamp by a recipient of National Award, progressive woman farmer Hemakanti Payeng.

Director of Extention Education, AAU, PK Pathak and Lakhimpur DC Dr. Jeevan B, attended the programme as distinguished guests while internationally acclaimed innovator Uddhab Kumar Bharali graced the occasion as guest of honour. All of them delivered lectures inspiring the farmers. Chief scientist of RARS, North Lakhimpur, delivered the welcome address.

Eight progressive farmers, two each from Lakhimpur and Dhemaji, one each from Udalguri, Darrang, Sonitpur, Biswanth districts were given warm felicitation in the programme where series of bulletins, brochures were also released. In connection with the programme, an agro-based exhibition was also organized where around 20 agricultural institutions, including Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science, agro-companies of North Assam and Upper Assam districts took part. A special interaction programme among the farmers and scientists of the KVKs and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science was also organized in the event

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