Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika wants farmers to move past paddy. He met with senior officials at Krishi Bhawan in Guwahati on November 2 to demand better results from state missions. The goal is simple. Boost income by planting high-value commercial crops.
Hazarika reviewed the progress of the Makhana Mission, the Edible Oil Palm Mission, and the Pulse Mission. He also looked at plans for a new Rajmah Mission in the Barak Valley. Officials received orders to track these programs closely and keep in touch with farmers on the ground. Hazarika stated, "The state government's objective of developing Assam into a leading horticulture-based state" remains a priority.
The plan targets crops like agarwood, coconut, dragon fruit, and other horticultural goods. These choices depend on the specific soil and climate of each district. To help these efforts, the minister wants to double the number of Farmer Producer Companies. These groups help small growers pool their power, buy supplies together, and find better buyers.
PepsiCo is also on the agenda. The company already works with 1,200 potato farmers in Assam and runs a plant in Nalbari. Hazarika met with company representatives to find ways to bring more local growers into the fold. Officials hope this partnership will guarantee more farmers access to steady markets and organized buyers.
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