Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 5 (ANI): Assam Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pijush Hazarika on Sunday attended the "Ceremonial Distribution of Seeds and Planting Materials" organized by Assam Agricultural University (AAU) at the Horticulture Research Station campus at Kahikuchi in Kamrup district.
Thanking AAU for the initiative, the Minister announced that the Agriculture Department has set an ambitious target to distribute 1 crore high-yielding horticulture saplings across the state.
Emphasizing fruit and cash crop cultivation, he stated that systematically multi-cropping assets like coconut, black pepper, pineapple, and dragon fruit on the same land would multiply economic benefits for farming families.
Minister Hazarika issued a strong call to the state's youth to embrace commercial farming rather than migrating for menial jobs. He urged them to work hard and find practical solutions to challenges rather than blaming manageable factors like squirrel menace or unverified mobile tower radiation for low yields.
Underscoring the government's commitment to protecting farmers' interests, the Minister warned that strict action would be taken against vendors selling fertilizers above the maximum retail price.
He also highlighted that the timely distribution of paddy seeds this year has significantly benefited local growers.
Furthermore, he noted ongoing departmental efforts to expand farmer registrations so more individuals can access central benefits under PM-KISAN and PM Fasal Bima Yojana, while urging farmers to utilize the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
Addressing national trade deficits, the Minister urged local cultivators to focus on oil palm and pulses to reduce India's heavy import bills. He also cautioned against vested interest groups attempting to build a negative narrative around ethanol blending in petrol, noting that such misinformation ultimately hurts farmers' economic interests.
As part of the day's proceedings, the Minister ceremonially distributed fruit saplings, black and brown gram seeds, and spraying machines to nearly 100 farmers.
The event was attended by AAU Vice-Chancellor Dipjyoti Rajkhowa and Director of Horticulture Nripen Ch Das, among other dignitaries. (ANI)
