Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today reviewed various schemes implemented by the Agriculture, Horticulture & Food Processing Dept at Directorate of Agriculture, Khanapara.
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, MLA Jayanta Malla Barua and nodal officers of various schemes of the Agriculture Department were present in the meeting.
The Chief Minister directed that Agriculture Department must be proactive in getting closer to the farmers and facilitating the use of the latest farming technology while providing better market linkage to the farmers.
He added that being an agrarian state, agriculture has to be the primary driver of the economy.
During the meeting the Chief Minister directed these points :
➡️To fill up vacant posts in the Agriculture Dept at an early date along with taking steps for initiating the due promotions of officials. For recruitment purposes, a special cell is directed to be constituted.
➡️To create required posts of executive engineers for augmenting the functioning of the Dept.
➡️To maintain an asset register for the Dept which would be uploaded on a portal.
➡️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 reviewed.
➡️Distribution network of fertilizer to be strengthened for avoiding shortage and misuse. State to develop own fertilizer distribution network within 3 months to deliver fertilizer directly to the retailer.
➡️Agri University to conduct a study on rampant usage of fertilizer, pesticides, etc by farmers in various parts of the State while undertaking sample testing.
➡️To prepare a plan for optimum utilization of funds under various Central Govt schemes. One Programme Officer, Accounts Officer & Media Expert to be recruited in every District Agriculture Office for the purpose.
➡️An interactive session of Horticulturists of the state to be organized to develop the sector.
➡️Activate seed farms under Agri Dept and Assam Seed Corp for producing quality seeds.
➡️All seed certification to be made free of cost for next three years.
