The Minister participated in several program in the district, focusing on development of irrigation systems, diversification of agriculture, acceleration of developmental works and enhancement of infrastructure for the public.
As part of his visit, the Minister first inspected the Kolonga Flow Irrigation Scheme under the Rongkhang Legislative Assembly Constituency. Currently the scheme provides irrigation to about 100 hectares of agricultural land. The scheme has the potential to cover about 1,800 hectares. Keeping this potential in mind, the Minister directed the Chief Engineer to prepare a proposal for a larger scheme to provide irrigation benefits to more farmers.
After that, the Minister launched a pilot project to test the possibility of olive cultivation in Assam by planting the first olive sapling at Charogaon. About 16,000 olive saplings brought from Rajasthan will be planted under this pilot project. The Agriculture Department of the state has taken this initiative for the year 2025-26 under NMEO-OS in collaboration with the Horticultural Research Centre at Kahikuchi of Assam Agricultural University. The main objective of this project is to assess the suitability of olive cultivation in the climate and agro-environment of the region and to create new possibilities for increasing farmers’ income.
The Minister later visited the 100-bigha farm of progressive farmer Bimal Sing Bey at Chengbiri. The farm cultivates various crops including areca nut, rubber, papaya, oil palm, banana, dragon fruit, pineapple, medicinal plants and chilli. Shri Bey is currently earning more than Rs 3 lakh per month through farming and aims to increase his monthly income to at least Rs 10 lakh within the next three to five years. Appreciating his enterprise and diversified farming efforts, the Minister assured all possible departmental support for further development of the farm.
In Hamren, the Minister inaugurated the road from Soi Ali to Circuit House and the road from SBI ATM to Harlongjuvel, constructed under the town’s construction and development programme. In addition, he inaugurated the newly constructed guest house and conference hall and laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new Circuit House in Hamren.
Subsequently, the Minister held a review meeting with the heads of various departments of West Karbi Anglong district at the newly constructed guest house and conference hall. The progress of ongoing developmental works and priority issues of various departments were reviewed. The Minister directed the concerned officials to expedite road construction works and complete them within the stipulated time. He also directed the Irrigation Department to fully utilize the irrigation potential of the district for greater benefit of farmers.
Mentioning the huge potential of agriculture and allied sectors in the hilly district, the Minister emphasized diversification of crops, expansion of cultivation of oil palm, agar and other high-value crops. He expressed hope that such steps will increase farmers’ income and create new opportunities for sustainable livelihood.
The Minister directed all departments to work with a coordinated and result-oriented approach, prioritize the needs of the people and take government schemes and benefits to every eligible beneficiary.
The programmes today were attended by Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang, Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Dr. Habbe Teron, other MLAs and Executive Members, along with officials of various departments and other local representative.