Union Minister Chouhan Reviews Agricultural Progress in Assam
In a crucial meeting held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, convened with Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss key initiatives related to the state. The discussions focused on the advancement of various central schemes under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Assam.
During the meeting, Minister Chouhan highlighted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, funds and resources will be readily available for enhancing agriculture and rural development in Assam. He reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to facilitating maximum advantages from programs like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), and MGNREGA.
Technical Advancements and Key Announcements
Secretary Shri Rohit Kansal, addressing the agenda of the Ministry of Rural Development, informed the attendees about the successful resolution of technical issues related to PMAY-G and MGNREGA. He confirmed that funds had been allocated based on requests from the Assam government. Additionally, he noted that a new initiative, the Vikas Bharat-Rozgar Evam Aajeevika Mission (Rural), is set to replace MNREGA nationwide starting July 1st.
The meeting recognized the Assam government’s landmark decision to grant land ownership rights (Patta) to tea garden workers. In support of this, Minister Chouhan announced that the central government plans to initiate a special survey to digitally document eligible beneficiaries’ names, ensuring they benefit from the PMAY-G.
Strengthening Agricultural Initiatives
On this occasion, Minister Chouhan presented the draft of an Agriculture Action Plan tailored to Assam’s unique climatic and soil conditions to Chief Minister Sarma. Several significant agreements concerning agricultural and rural development were reached during this session.
Officials from the Ministry of Rural Development noted that Assam has made remarkable strides in women’s empowerment, with over 9 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ surpassing the target. There are plans to collaborate with incubators at Assam Agricultural University (AAU) to further strengthen the enterprises led by these women.
To bolster the agricultural sector, the central government outlined approved projects and funding under the Agricultural Mechanization and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Highlights included the distribution of agricultural power weeders to women farmers and discussions about expanding the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
Investments in Agricultural Infrastructure
This year, the approval of 1,500 new bamboo polyhouses aims to promote safe farming practices in the state. Furthermore, the establishment of buildings for a Pesticide Testing Lab and an Edible Oil Testing Lab under RKVY has been sanctioned to enhance agricultural infrastructure. Partnerships with APEDA and the National Organic Cooperative Limited are also being formed to facilitate the international marketing and export of Assam’s organic products, providing crucial support to farmers.
The meeting also addressed Assam’s rich biodiversity, with Dr. M.L. Jat from ICAR revealing plans to fortify existing centers at Assam Agricultural University. Collaborative research programs for spices and the development of Assam’s state flower, the ‘Foxtail Orchid,’ were discussed as well. The resolution of pending retirement benefits and pensions for Krishi Vigyan Kendra employees was also on the agenda.
Additionally, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, Shri Narendra Bhushan, shared that progress is being made towards the digitization of land records in Assam, which will further aid agricultural development.
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