BANDERDEWA, Nov 5: All round development of agriculture and horticulture sector and empowerment of unemployed youths and the farmers in the state is the highest priority of the government, said Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Sunday while inaugurating the Green Gold Integrated Farm at Tarajuli under Banderdewa Circle in Papum Pare district.
The farm, spread over 200 hectares with pleasant greenery dotted with features of amenity and recreational landscape is operated by local progressive farmer Likha Maj. The improved farming concepts showcased in the farm not only help maximise optimum production from limited resources but will also help empower farming communities of the state in near future.
He appreciated the efforts of Likha Maj and said that he has become a source of inspiration for the young farmers of state.
Mein termed the growth of agriculture and horticulture sectors in the state as a silent revolution, which has propelled many farmers to evolve.
“The government considers high growth of agriculture and allied sectors as a means to accelerate the state’s GDP growth and enable farmers to earn higher income”, Mein added and cited that many farmers in the state now have shifted from poppy cultivation to grow large cardamom or other crops as it has yielded and doubled their income generation.
Stressing on integration of farming activities, the DCM said that the farmers should avail the benefits of government schemes, like the CM’s Krishi Rinn Yojna and CM’s Swavalamban Yojna to double their output.
He suggested the farmers to get their soil first tested and then invest in required agri and horti activities which would help provide sustainable development.
He also appreciated the establishment of kiwi wine bottling plant at Ziro and said that the state government will provide the necessary support to promote such progressive farmers. He said that he would seek advice related to development of agriculture ad horticulture sectors from various progressive farmers of state which would be incorporated in the next budget.
Director of Green Gold Integrated Farm, Likha Maj explained about the different activities taken up in his farm and highlighted the numerous challenges confronting them.
Maj said that creating the integrated farm in the state would generate employment for the youths and help solve the unemployment problem of the state. He called upon the government to adopt policies which would help the organic growers and farmers of the state for their sustainable development and growth.
