GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said that his government was looking for employment of sustainable development in agriculture, horticulture and food processing sector.
“The future of the sector lies with proper implementation of the ‘Look East Policy’. The state government is also looking for employment of sustainable development in the sector. In this regard, the role of Department of Agriculture and Horticulture is praiseworthy,” Gogoi said while addressing the first Assam International Agri-Horticultural Show 2014 at the College of Veterinary Science Playground in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by the Directorate of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Assam and in association with the Assam Horticultural Society, organised the show which will end on January 11 according to ICC sources here.
Gogoi appreciated the performance of Assam’s agriculture department for developing the sector in the recent years.
Speaking on the need of agricultural sector in the country and especially in Assam, he said development and prosperity of the sector helps in improving the general economic condition.
He mentioned the opportunities of the state’s sector saying there was ample water and irrigation facility in the state, significant amount of land availability and good weather condition, conducive for performing multi-cropping and increasing productivity of the crops.
He said there was also opportunity for foreign investors and industrialists for investing in the state across agriculture and Horticulture sector.
While mentioning about the advantages of the region and that of the state, he said that future of the sector lies with proper implementation of the ‘Look East Policy’ and hoped that the policy will help in increasing trade and commerce with the nearby countries.
However, Gogoi said, for witnessing the envisaged growth of the sector and the economy, the requirement of skilled employment and large number of educated people in agri-horti sector is called for.
The biggest ever Conference-cum-Exhibition in North-Eastern Region showcases the prospect and potential of the region, especially that of Assam with respect to agriculture and horticulture sector, sources said.
This year, the conference went international with participation of countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Taiwan, Nepal, Italy, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Israel, Canada, UK, Myanmar, Laos, the United States of America and Netherlands.
More than 70 Indian companies and corporations representing agri-machinery, seeds, fertilisers, financial institutions and various Boards in the Agriculture Sector were also participating. Sectors of specialisation for international exhibitors include agriculture and horticulture products like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and agro chemicals, food and beverage industry, food processing, nutritional management, animal feeds, fruits and vegetables, biotech, livestock and storage units. (UNI)