Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday chaired two review meetings to assess the availability and distribution of fertilisers in the state and review the progress of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) for the financial year 2026–27.
During the meeting on fertiliser availability, the Minister held detailed discussions with senior officials of the Agriculture Department on measures to ensure adequate and timely availability of fertilisers to farmers across the state.
The meeting discussed the existing 12 rake points through which fertilisers are brought into Assam. Hazarika emphasised the need to increase the number of rake points to facilitate faster and smoother transportation and distribution of fertilisers. He stated that the matter would be taken up with the concerned Central Ministry.
Representatives of all nine fertiliser companies operating in Assam were directed to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers and prevent shortages, particularly during the cropping season.
The Minister also stressed the need to ensure that farmers receive fertilisers at the genuine prices.
The meeting further discussed measures to check overcharging and black marketing of fertilisers. Hazarika directed the Agriculture Department to strengthen monitoring and take strict action against any malpractice affecting farmers.
The Department was also asked to examine feasible measures to give due preference to locally produced fertilisers, with a view to strengthening local production and improving availability within the state.
In the second meeting, the Minister reviewed the progress of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) for FY 2026–27. The month-wise targets and achievements under the mission were reviewed, and the concerned companies were directed to accelerate oil palm plantation activities and improve their performance.
District Agriculture Officers from across the state also participated in the review through video conference. Hazarika directed them to discharge their responsibilities effectively, ensure proper field-level implementation of the programme, and make farmers aware of the benefits and support available under the oil palm initiative.
The Minister emphasised that Assam has an important role to play in contributing towards the country’s goal of self-sufficiency in edible oils. He urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination and ensure timely implementation of the mission so that its benefits reach farmers effectively.
The Commissioner and Secretary, Agriculture; Director of Agriculture; senior departmental officials; District Agriculture Officers; and representatives of all nine fertiliser and concerned oil palm companies participated in the respective review meetings.