Sonowal stresses on scientific approach to agriculture

Guwahati:  Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday  laid stress on the  use of advanced scientific technologies for enhanced agricultural production in the state. He also urged the farmers to take a  pledge to adopt new scientific methods of farming for strengthening their economic condition.
Inaugurating the 4th Assam International Agri-Horticultural Show, 2017, here, the Assam chief minister put focus on scientific study of soil and asked the agriculture department to support the farmers with valuable inputs for increasing their production without disturbing the ecological balance.
“We want to grow economically without destroying the ecology. Government of Assam will give priority on organic farming to maintain the ecological balance,” the Assam CM said.
He added  that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also outlined his vision of making North East India as an organic hub.
The chief minister also pointed out that the Government of Assam has recently launched Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana to double the agricultural income in the State by investing Rs. 1.2 cr. in each revenue village.
Pointing that the state is endowed with very fertile land for cultivation, the Chief Minister said Assam can overtake the agriculturally advanced states like Punjab and Haryana in terms of production if the available resources are properly exploited.
The chief minister also mentioned that the government is committed to strengthen the agriculture sector to attract the new generation to take it up as a calling and assured the farmers that the government would ensure Minimum Support Price for their production.
Considering the limitation of cultivation period in the State, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal asked the Assam Agricultural  University and agriculture scientists to discover new variety of seeds that can be harvested twice during the post monsoon season.
Earlier delivering his speech, State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said the Agri-Horticultural Show would help in the growth of export and investment in agriculture sector in Assam.
Mr Bora informed that the government has already set up 214 mini Soil Testing Laboratories in the State, Indian Agricultural Research Institute will soon be set up in Dhemaji and  the government will also release Assam Agricultural Policy.
In the current edition of the show, 60 international companies and 10 national companies affiliated to Indian Chambers of Commerce have participated. (UNI)