Assam agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika on Wednesday visited various agricultural initiatives in Darrang district and interacted with farmers, women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), fertiliser retailers and district officials to take stock of agricultural activities and review the progress of the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments.
The Minister began his visit at Nagarbahi, Mangaldai, where he visited the Siroheuji Women Farmer Producer Company and interacted with enthusiastic women farmers. He launched the mustard oil product “Darangi Golden Drops,” a joint initiative of Siroheuji Women FPC and Darrangi Women FPC, showcasing their efforts towards value addition and production of quality agricultural products.
With 509 shareholders, the women-led FPC is playing an important role in empowering women farmers, promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening rural livelihoods. On the occasion, a Rs 9.90 lakh Government subsidy cheque was handed over to the Women Farmer Producer Company to support and strengthen its activities.
Expressing his happiness at beginning his journey of visiting Farmer Producer Companies as Agriculture Minister with a women-led FPC, Shri Hazarika said that it was encouraging to see women farmers taking the lead in agricultural production and contributing meaningfully to the local economy. He appreciated their collective efforts, determination and entrepreneurial spirit and assured continued support to such farmer-led initiatives across the State.
The Minister subsequently visited a makhana project site at No. 2 Majgaon, Mangaldai, where he interacted with farmers engaged in makhana cultivation and took stock of their experiences, challenges and journey in adopting the crop. The project is being implemented by the Rural OrganiSation for All Round Development (ROAD) in collaboration with FPC NEFSA, with the objective of promoting makhana cultivation in the area.
Hazarika said that makhana has significant potential to emerge as a profitable and sustainable alternative crop in suitable areas of Assam. He assured the NGO and the FPC of the Government’s full support in promoting and strengthening makhana cultivation.
The NGO and FPC are also working towards developing a “Makhana Village” concept, which will help create greater awareness among farmers and encourage more people to take up makhana cultivation. The Minister expressed confidence that with appropriate support, innovation and collective efforts, makhana farming could open new avenues for increasing farmers’ income and strengthening rural livelihoods.
During the visit, the Minister also inspected a retail fertiliser shop at Nagarbahi, Mangaldai, where he interacted with the shopkeeper and local farmers to understand the prevailing price structure, demand and availability of fertilisers. He took stock of the fertiliser inventory and discussed the issues faced by farmers and retailers.
Later, Minister Hazarika chaired a review meeting at the conference hall of the District Commissioner, Darrang, to assess the progress of the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments in the district. The meeting was attended by the Secretary-cum-Director of Agriculture, Additional Secretary of the Irrigation Department, District Commissioner and senior district officials of both departments.
The Minister reviewed the present agriculture and irrigation scenario of Darrang and discussed the ongoing works and priorities of both departments. He emphasised that close coordination between the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments is essential for the overall development of agriculture in the district.
Hazarika directed the Irrigation Department to undertake prior consultation with the Agriculture Department before finalising the locations of irrigation schemes. He said that the Agriculture Department, being closely connected with farmers and agricultural activities at the grassroots level, can provide valuable guidance in identifying areas where irrigation interventions are most needed and help ensure that the benefits of such schemes reach the deserving farmers.
The Minister stressed that irrigation projects should be planned in a manner that complements agricultural activities and addresses the actual requirements of farmers on the ground. He directed the officials of both departments to work in close coordination and adopt a farmer-centric approach while planning and implementing schemes.
During the meeting, the Agriculture Minister also reviewed the status of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), farmer registration and other key agricultural programmes in the district.
He directed the officials to improve the coverage and implementation of these initiatives and ensure that eligible farmers are brought under the ambit of various government schemes.
Hazarika further emphasised the importance of strengthening irrigation facilities, ensuring timely availability of agricultural inputs and promoting innovative and value-added agricultural activities to improve productivity and enhance farmers’ income across Darrang district.