Asom to give highest priority to Agriculture

Guwahati, July 10 (UNI) Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said in the budget session that agriculture will be given top priority by the state government.

Addressing the House while presenting the budget for the current financial year, the Chief Minister said the government will lay emphasis on crop diversification, horticulture development, mechanization, development of marketing infrastructure, rain-fed farming and soil-testing facilities.

High quality seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and soil- cards will be issued to the farmers at reasonable prices through a statewide network. Proper soil testing facilities will also be made available to the farmers.

Mr Gogoi said that production of wheat, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, spices and flowers will also be given due emphasis during the current year. The Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (TMIDH) shall be continued, he said.

Mr Gogoi also spoke on the important role the Asom Agriculture University could play for the agricultural development of the state.

Amounts of Rs 20.85 crore and Rs 36.96 crore under Plan and Non-Plan resources have been allocated to the University to overcome its financial crisis, he noted.

Better marketing facilities for agricultural and horticultural products will be developed through the setting up of 25 rural and 3 wholesale markets along with cold storage facilities at Singimari in Kamrup district.

Mr Gogoi said the NEC had provided assistance for setting up a cold storage at Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district and a Citrus Organic Farm at Demoria Development Block under Kamrup district.

Fishery, animal husbandry and veterinary along-with handicrafts, handloom, sericulture and cottage industry will be the prime focus areas of the government, as according to Mr Gogoi, they are key to rejuvenation of rural economy.

UNI XC MT SP VD BST2050