Karbi Anglong (Assam), 13 October (HS): Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister and West Karbi Anglong Guardian Minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday reviewed ongoing developmental activities in the hill district, inspected irrigation infrastructure, launched a pilot project for olive cultivation and inaugurated key infrastructure facilities in Hamren.

During his visit, Hazarika inspected the Kollonga Flow Irrigation Scheme under Rongkhang Legislative Assembly Constituency. The scheme currently irrigates around 100 hectares of agricultural land but has the potential to cover approximately 1,800 hectares. Recognising its scope for expansion, the minister directed the Chief Engineer to prepare a proposal to extend irrigation coverage and benefit more farmers.

The minister also planted the first olive sapling at Sarogaon, formally launching a pilot project to explore the feasibility of olive cultivation in Assam. Around 16,000 olive saplings brought from Rajasthan are being introduced under the Department of Agriculture and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council's initiative for 2025–26, in collaboration with the Horticulture Research Station of Assam Agricultural University at Kahikuchi. The project aims to assess the suitability of olive cultivation under the region's agro-climatic conditions and identify new opportunities to increase farmers' incomes.

Hazarika subsequently visited the 100-bigha farm of progressive farmer Bimal Singh Bey at Chengbiri. The farm cultivates a diverse range of crops, including areca nut, rubber, papaya, oil palm, banana, dragon fruit, pineapple, medicinal plants and chilli. According to the release, Bey currently earns more than ₹3 lakh per month from farming and aims to increase his monthly income to at least ₹10 lakh over the next three to five years. Appreciating his efforts, the minister assured him of all possible support from the Agriculture Department.

In Hamren, Hazarika inaugurated the Soi Ali-to-Circuit House road and the SBI ATM-to-Harlongjuve road, constructed under the Construction and Improvement of Hamren Town initiative. He also inaugurated a newly constructed Guest House-cum-Conference Hall and laid the foundation stone for a new Circuit House.

Later, the minister chaired a review meeting with heads of departments at the newly inaugurated conference facility. He assessed the progress of ongoing development projects and directed officials to expedite road construction and ensure the timely completion of works. He also instructed the Irrigation Department to make full use of the district's irrigation potential to maximise benefits for farmers.

Highlighting the potential of agriculture and allied sectors in the hill district, Hazarika stressed the importance of multi-cropping, crop diversification and the expansion of oil palm, agarwood and other suitable high-value crops to enhance farmers' incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

He further directed all departments to work in coordination, adopt a result-oriented approach and ensure that government schemes and benefits reach every eligible beneficiary. Emphasising the need to combine agricultural development with infrastructure expansion and effective implementation of welfare schemes, he called for concerted efforts to accelerate overall development and improve livelihoods in the district.

The programmes were attended by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Habbey Teron, other MLAs, executive members of the council, departmental officials and other dignitaries.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash