Assam Gives Seedlings to Flood-Hit Farmers

Guwahati: The Assam government handed out 2.4 lakh coconut and arecanut seedlings to flood-stricken farmers on October 27. The aid reached growers in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika managed the distribution during a program in Sivasagar. This effort puts 80,000 coconut seedlings and 1.6 lakh arecanut seedlings into the hands of those hit hardest by recent floods. About 50,000 farmers in Sivasagar alone suffered losses.

Hazarika pushed for crop diversification to boost farm income. He pointed to dragon fruit, litchi, mango, jackfruit, and agarwood as key options for growers. The minister stated, "The government aimed to develop Assam into a leading horticulture state." He also promised consistent seed supplies for the coming Rabi season.

Irrigation remains a sticking point. Currently, only 21 per cent of the state's cultivated land has irrigation access. Hazarika plans to raise that figure by 20 per cent within the next four and a half years. These upgrades should limit the impact of erratic rainfall. Across the entire state, the government will provide a total of 2.84 lakh coconut seedlings and eight lakh arecanut seedlings this year.