UMIAM, Jan 5: The Northeast is the heaven of India, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar said on Thursday.
He made the statement after inaugurating the administrative-cum-academic block office of the College of Agriculture at Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi. He also ceremoniously inaugurated the Girls’ Hostel of the college.
“The Northeast is of utmost importance. It is home to different cultures, rich in natural resources and blessed with a good climate. Meghalaya’s geographical scenario is such that we can develop it if we try with all our efforts,” Tomar said, addressing the North East Krishi Kumbha – 2023 & 49th Foundation Day later in the day at ICAR Research Complex, Umiam.
He expressed delight that agriculture has become a priority. With new age, there is a need to adapt to new technologies. Ensuring these technologies reach every farmer to help raise their income is the need of the hour, he said.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every segment of the agriculture domain has been looked after. Initiatives such as PM-Kisan, Fasal Bima Yojana, promotion of digital agriculture, providing infrastructure development fund in agriculture and easy loans to farmers across the country have been facilitated under his leadership,” the Union Minister said, stressing on the government’s efforts to improve the sector.
He said farmers should always be treated with honour.
“A farmer not only supports his family but also contributes to the agricultural economy of the country and our government’s priority has always been to ensure prosperity of farmers and development of agriculture,” Tomar said.
He said India is today not only a food-producing nation but also an exporter.
Earlier, he laid thrust on the importance of agriculture-based start-ups. He said the College of Agriculture under the Agriculture University, Imphal would play a major role in framing modern agricultural methods for increased productivity.
“I am happy that the Northeast is home to organic farming. Earlier, the maximum share of agricultural exports of organic products has been from the Northeast,” the minister said, adding despite its challenges, the Northeast can utilise its resources and contribute in livelihood generation, natural farming and much more.
Tomar awarded several progressive farmers to encourage the spirit of the farming community.
During the inaugural session, souvenir of the event, task force report and other publications were released and some mobile apps launched. Some products developed by the ICAR ABI entrepreneurs were also launched.
The function was attended by K Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council; Dr BC Deka, VC AAU, Jorhat; Dr Anupam Mishra, VC, CAU, Imphal; Dr SK Chaudhuri, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr KM Bujarbaruah, former DDG & VC AAU; Dr VK Mishra, Director ICAR, NEH Region; and government officials.
KSU, RBYF stage protest
Members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and the Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation greeted the Minister with slogans of protest.
The protest was staged against the non-establishment of a full-fledged Central Agriculture University (CAU) at Kyrdemkulai despite a promise by the central government in 2010.
The CAU was to be set up in an area of over 240 acres but in 2019, a College of Agriculture under the CAU, Imphal was set up much to the chagrin of the protestors as well as the landowners.
KSU general secretary Donald Thabah said the protest was staged as the Centre deceived the people of Meghalaya. He said students and farmers of the state suffered due to this decision of the Centre. He lamented that most staff working at the institute and students are from Manipur.
Thabah said the KSU had on March 30 last year handed over a memorandum to Tomar, urging him to fulfil the demand by establishing a full-fledged CAU at Kyrdemkulai.