Centre assures full support for Assam’s agriculture and rural development schemes during high-level meeting between Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Himanta Biswa Sarma.
New Delhi, June 2: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday held a high-level meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi to review the implementation of central agriculture and rural development schemes in the state.
The meeting, held at Krishi Bhawan, focused on the progress of flagship schemes including the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), MGNREGA and other rural development initiatives being implemented in Assam.
During the discussions, Chouhan assured the Assam government that the Centre would provide full support and adequate financial resources for agriculture and rural development projects in the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials of the Ministry of Rural Development informed the meeting that technical issues related to PMAY-G and MGNREGA systems in Assam had been resolved. The ministry also stated that funds under MGNREGA had been released according to the state government’s requirements.
Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development Rohit Kansal said the proposed Vikas Bharat-Rozgar Evam Aajeevika Mission (Rural) would replace MGNREGA across the country from July 1.
The meeting also discussed Assam’s decision to grant land ownership rights, or pattas, to tea garden workers. The move was appreciated by the Union Minister, who announced that a special survey window would be opened by the Centre to digitally record eligible beneficiaries so they could avail benefits under PMAY-G.
Chouhan also handed over the draft Agriculture Action Plan for Assam to Chief Minister Sarma. The plan was prepared considering the state’s climatic conditions and soil characteristics.
Officials said Assam has crossed the target of creating over nine lakh “Lakhpati Didis” under women empowerment initiatives. The Centre and the state will work with incubators at Assam Agricultural University to strengthen women-led enterprises further.
The Centre also reviewed projects sanctioned under the Agricultural Mechanization programme and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in Assam. Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra informed the meeting about efforts to distribute agricultural power weeders to women farmers.
Expansion of the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in Assam was also discussed.
To support protected and safe farming practices, the Centre approved 1,500 new bamboo polyhouses for Assam this year. Infrastructure support for a Pesticide Testing Laboratory and an Edible Oil Testing Laboratory has also been sanctioned under RKVY.
Officials further informed that partnerships are being developed with APEDA and the National Organic Cooperative Limited to improve export opportunities and international marketing for Assam’s organic products.
The meeting additionally reviewed efforts to promote Assam’s biodiversity and strengthen agricultural research institutions in the state. ICAR Director General and DARE Secretary Dr. M.L. Jat said existing centres of Assam Agricultural University would be expanded and supported further.
Collaborative programmes related to spices research and development of Assam’s state flower, the Foxtail Orchid, are expected to be undertaken with the Institute of Floriculture, Pune.
Pending issues related to retirement benefits and pension of Krishi Vigyan Kendra employees were also discussed during the meeting.
Officials from the Department of Land Resources informed the meeting that progress was being made in the digitisation of land records in Assam.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude to the Union government for extending support towards agriculture and rural development initiatives in Assam.
