CM Himanta Biswa Sarma reviews implementation of various schemes in Department

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE & FOOD PROCESSING

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Saturday, reviewed various schemes implemented by Agriculture, Horticulture & Food Processing Department at the Directorate of Agriculture. The Chief Minister directed that the Agriculture Department must be proactive in getting closer to the farmers and facilitating use of latest farming technology while providing better market linkage to the farmers. Being an agrarian State, agriculture has to be the primary driver of the economy and Agriculture Department must be one of the best departments of the government in the next 5 years, he said.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Agriculture Department to fill up vacant posts at an early date and also take steps for initiating the due promotions of officials. For recruitment purpose, a special cell was directed to be constituted. He also asked to create required posts of executive engineers for augmenting the functioning of the Department.

He also directed to maintain an asset register for the Department to keep track of assets in various field offices of the Department while creating a 'permanent asset portal' within 15 days which will be updated every year. Moreover, he also directed to set up a seed portal for proper seed procurement and distribution.

Implementation of national schemes like PM-KISHAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojna, Krishi Sinchai Yojna etc., was also reviewed in the meeting while discussing about ways to start an integrated fertilizer distribution system within 3 months to provide fertilisers at right price to the farmers.

He also directed the Department to prepare a plan for optimum utilization of funds under various Central Government schemes. For the purpose, a Programme Officer, Accounts Officer and Media Expert will be recruited in each District Agriculture Office, stated a press release.

The Chief Minister also directed the Department to organize an interactive session of horticulturists of the State for developing the sector. The Agriculture University was asked to conduct a study on rampant usage of fertilizer, pesticides etc by farmers in various parts of the State while undertaking sample testing. He also directed to activate seed farms under Agriculture Department and Assam Seed Corporation for producing quality seeds.

Directorate of Agriculture in the presence of Minister Atul Bora, MLA Jayanta Malla Barua, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Samir Kumar Sinha and senior officers of Agriculture Department were present during the programme.

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