Lakhimpur (Assam), 13 November (H.S.): Assam Agriculture, Irrigation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on Friday undertook an extensive tour of Lakhimpur district, inspecting various agricultural projects and reviewing the progress of departmental schemes.

During his visit, the minister inspected an oil palm plantation belonging to progressive farmer Pankaj Bora at No. 2 Bokanala and witnessed the harvesting process. He also visited a pineapple processing unit operated by Arig Ajon Agrofed Producer Company Limited at Boginadi Majgaon and interacted with local producers.

Later, chairing a departmental review meeting at the District Commissioner's office, Hazarika said that Lakhimpur had achieved 81% of its targeted farmer registration. Directing officials to expedite the process, he instructed them to register at least 400 farmers every day to ensure 100% completion by January 15.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, fertilizer distribution, issuance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) certificates to paddy farmers, expansion of makhana and oil palm cultivation, distribution of areca nut and coconut saplings, and ongoing irrigation projects.

During the final leg of his tour, Hazarika visited the Krishi Sewa and Processing Centre, a cold storage facility constructed under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission at Pathalipahar in Bihpuria. Interacting with local residents, he announced that the Agriculture Department would take over the currently unused facility and make it operational at the earliest to benefit farmers.

MLAs Manab Deka, Naba Kumar Doley and Bhupen Bora accompanied the minister during his visit and the review meeting.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash