GUWAHATI: The three-day Regional Livestock and Poultry Show, 2021 held at Farm Gate Campus in Khanapara came to end on Wednesday where Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that livestock and poultry sector have the potential to be force-multiplier in realizing 'Atmanirbhar Assam'.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the regional show here, Chief Minister Sonowal said that livestock and veterinary sector of the State which fulfils the requirement of the consumers of not only Assam but also entire North East can propel the State towards self-reliance. Thanking Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department of the state, Sonowal asked the department to develop a vision for growth and development for Assam.
The Chief Minister said that in this age of competition, the farmers and entrepreneurs should strive for capacity building so that they can fully utilise the inherent potential of agriculture and its allied sectors. He also mentioned that during the tenure of his government more than 400 skill centres were set up in different parts of the state. He said that Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department of the state remained dormant for several years. It was only after the taking over of Atul Bora, the department witnessed huge turn around in the sector leading the department to contribute to the development of the state.
Stating the Rs. 33 thousand crore Chief Minister Samagra Grammya Unnayan Yojana, Sonowal said that his government during the last 4.5 years took several steps for the empowerment of the farmers. He also attributed his government's several steps taken so far for the empowerment of farmers to giving adequate respect to the farmers of the state.
Agriculture and Veterinary Minister Atul Bora while speaking on the occasion said that agriculture has immense potential which can catapult the growth of the State. Appreciating the farmers of the State, Bora said that the agriculture production during the coronavirus pandemic in Assam registered a phenomenal growth which not only served the demands of the state but other neighbouring countries as well. Considering the important role played by the livestock sector in the State, Bora said that an artificial insemination centre will be set up in the State for rearing high yielding livestock, stated a release.