Goalpara (Assam), 07 November (HS): Assam Agriculture, Irrigation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on Saturday visited Goalpara district and reviewed various departmental schemes and development initiatives, focusing on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, expanding irrigation facilities and improving farmers' income.

Accompanied by MLAs Tankeswar Rabha and Pabitra Rabha, the Minister visited the Darangiri Banana Market, where he interacted with farmers and traders. He assured them of government support through the supply of quality banana seedlings and phased expansion of irrigation facilities. He also inspected the ongoing construction of a new market building and directed officials to make it operational by January 2027.

At Deulguri, Hazarika visited an oil palm plantation and chaired a review meeting with departmental officials, farmers and other stakeholders. The meeting discussed farmer registration, distribution of seedlings, oil palm cultivation, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), strengthening of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and identification of suitable water bodies for Makhana cultivation.

The meeting also reviewed the target of establishing 1,500 FPCs across Assam and setting up at least two mushroom processing units in Goalpara. Promotion of Agar cultivation and preparation of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) for irrigation development were also discussed. The Minister distributed Paddy Procurement Certificates to farmers who had sold their produce to the government.

Hazarika subsequently inspected Habri FIS and Deosila FIS under Dudhnoi Legislative Assembly Constituency. While the two schemes currently cover around 100 hectares and 405 hectares respectively, their irrigation potential stands at 600 hectares and 940 hectares. He assured farmers that efforts would be made to utilise their full irrigation potential by next year and directed officials to expedite the necessary processes.

During the visit, the Minister felicitated Assam Gaurav awardee and progressive farmer Harakanta Basumatary at his residence in recognition of his contributions to agriculture, particularly edible oil palm cultivation.

Hazarika also inaugurated the Gram Panchayat Level Competitions under Khel Maharan 3.0 at Udaipur Playground in Dudhnoi. The programme was attended by the two MLAs, Goalpara District Commissioner and other dignitaries.

The visit reaffirmed the state government's commitment to strengthening agricultural infrastructure, expanding irrigation coverage, promoting crop diversification, improving market access and enhancing the income and livelihoods of farmers across Assam.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash