Agriculture sole base for sustainable development of state, says Rijiju
ITANAGAR, May 19: The two-day state conclave on ‘Perspective planning for resurgent agriculture & allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh’ ended at the state assembly auditorium here this evening.
Addressing the valedictory function, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that agriculture is the only base for sustainable development of the state.
Lauding the state government for conducting the conclave exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors at the right time, Rijiju suggested that the outcome of the conclave be integrated in government policy to benefit the farmers.
“Government intervention is required for scientific cropping and to establish market linkages for the produce of the farmers,” he said.
Most of the farmers’ produce, which increase after adopting scientific cultivation, either sell at very low prices or go to waste due to the absence of market linkages, he said. “It is the point where government intervention is essential.”
The union minister also urged the bankers to reach out to all the stakeholders, and called for coordination between farmers and experts to improve the bankers’ credit flow.
“Arunachal Pradesh is a sleeping giant with vast natural resources. To transform it into economy, we need to work harder and adopt proper policies,” Rijiju said.
Even though the agriculture growth of the state is higher than the national average, “our growth should actually be more than the present rate,” he opined.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in his speech said the recommendation of the conclave would be incorporated in the next budget, and assured that the state government would adopt an agriculture-based budget next year.
“A meeting will be convened by the chief secretary with the officers of the agriculture, horticulture, veterinary, and fishery departments to work out a road map for framing a viable policy for inclusive growth,” he said.
Mein urged the officers of the agriculture and horticulture departments to play a proactive role in realizing the objective, and asked the departments to frame guidelines for immediate implementation of the budget announcements.
He also advocated revamping the Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the state “and utilize their services in research, training, and extension works.”
Chief Secretary Satya Gopal, former vice chancellor of Ludhiana-based Veterinary University Dr VK Taneja, NITI Aayog agriculture advisor Dr JP Mishra, NABARD deputy managing director HR Dave, Home Commissioner GS Meena, and Agriculture Secretary YW Ringu also spoke.
State NABARD GM Gyanendra Mani made a presentation of the experts’ recommendations.
Mein, along with Agriculture Minister Wangki Lowang and AH & Veterinary Minister Dr Mohesh Chai also attended the technical sessions of the conclave, which featured brainstorming by more than 60 scientists and subject experts from across the country.
More than 800 participants, including government officers, members of NGOs and SHGs, and progressive farmers attended the conclave. (PRO to DCM)
