STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has pointed out that the Agriculture Department and Forest Department have been unable to play an active role in creating awareness among farmers at the grass-root level regarding various new schemes launched by the state government and changes made in various relevant rules for the overall benefit of the agriculturists.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the three-day 7th Assam International Agri-Horti Show at the Veterinary College playground at Khanapara here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that the since last year the state government has taken around 25 important decisions aimed at increasing farmers' income. However, Sarma said, he has met many farmers who are ignorant about these steps. As such, he said, the Agriculture and Forest departments should arrange gram sabhas and create awareness about the measures that have been initiated for the uplift of farmers in the state.
The Chief Minister said that following in the footsteps of farmers of states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the farmers of Assam should also use the borders of their cultivated lands for commercial plantation of trees like sal and segun. He pointed out that previously there was a complicated procedure for obtaining permission for felling sal and segun trees planted on private land, but now the government has dispensed with the system and permission need not be obtained for felling such trees. Personnel of the Forest Department must create awareness about such decisions of the state government, he said.
Sarma informed the farmers that the state government is now according priority to organic and natural farming. The government's target is to start organic farming in 2 lakh hectare of land and natural farming in 20,000 hectare of land. Once that happens, the unique agri-horti produce of Assam such as litchi, kazi nemu, bhoot jolokia, black rice, pineapple etc.,will be able to capture the international market.
The Chief Minister informed that Assam exported agricultural produce amounting to 14,000 metric tonne last year, while 8,000 metric tonne was exported in the first four months of the ongoing fiscal year.
Mentioning that the market for millet is expanding globally, the Chief Minister urged the farmers of the state for opt for millet cultivation to exploit this scenario.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Assam's Agriculture Minister Atul Bora emphasized the need for the participation of the upcoming generation in the agricultural sector to ensure its rejuvenation and take Assam's economy to the world. He further said that the state government is striving to convert the "abandoned, hidden possibilities" in the field into resources and give farmers appropriate dignity.
Apart from domestic delegates, the event is being attended by delegates from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Ghana, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Kenya and Nepal.
The 7th Assam Internation Agri-Horti Show aims to bring together various stakeholders to exhibit latest technology, attract national and international investors, and share and learn best agri-horti practices.
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