Assam Minister Urges Agricultural Reform to Boost State Economy

Guwahati: Assam cannot grow without bigger paychecks for farmers. Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika made this clear on June 25 at an industry meeting in Khanapara. While 70 percent of the state works the land, Assam still leans on imports for food supplies. This needs to change now.

Hazarika wants better coordination between fisheries, animal husbandry, and farming departments. He argues that scientific research and modern technology are vital for survival. The state currently lags behind in infrastructure, with irrigation covering only 24 percent of local farmland. This trails far behind Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. He stated, "Assam cannot achieve rapid progress and development without significantly improving agricultural income."

Vice-Chancellor Deepjyoti Rajkhowa of Assam Agricultural University called for farming strategies that actually turn a profit. Experts from NABARD and regional universities joined the discussion to fix broken links between research labs and actual crop yields. Leaders stressed that empowering farmers remains the only way to build a stable future for the region.