Karbi Anglong (Assam), 19 August (HS): Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister and Guardian Minister of Karbi Anglong, Pijush Hazarika, on Wednesday reviewed the implementation of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and other departmental schemes at a meeting held in Taralangso.

The meeting was attended by KAAC Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang, local MLAs and Executive Members. Hazarika urged local agri-preneurs to make full use of the AIF, which provides loans of up to ₹2 crore with a 3% interest subvention.

He said 1,000 progressive farmers will receive ₹1 lakh each this year under the Chief Minister's Agriculture Excellence Award, with a target of covering 10,000 farmers over five years.

The minister also reviewed the expansion of PM-KISAN coverage. Against the existing 18.6 lakh beneficiaries in Assam, around 6,000 farmers are being registered daily. Officials were directed to resolve land ownership-related issues promptly, particularly in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, ahead of a high-level meeting scheduled in Guwahati on August 24.

Hazarika stressed the promotion of oil palm cultivation, pineapple processing and large-scale plantation drives. The Agriculture Department aims to distribute five crore saplings annually, covering 25 crore saplings over five years, including areca nut, cocoa, coconut and makhana.

Reviewing irrigation schemes, the minister noted that seven schemes are fully functional while 281 are partially functional, covering around 19,000 hectares. He directed officials to explore the revival of 119 defunct schemes and make greater use of lift irrigation, canals and PM-KUSUM to help achieve the state's target of irrigating four lakh hectares.

Later, Hazarika addressed an AIF public meeting at Sertalin Auditorium, attended by progressive farmers, entrepreneurs and lead bank officials. He directed the District Agriculture Officer to increase the number of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from the existing eight and ceremonially handed over an AIF loan sanction cheque to a beneficiary.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash