Golaghat (Assam), 19 July (HS): Assam Agriculture, Irrigation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on Sunday visited various areas of Khumtai constituency in Golaghat district to review agricultural activities and irrigation projects, besides interacting with farmers.

During his visit to Thuramukh, the Minister met farmers who were engaged in cultivation despite adverse weather conditions. Farmers informed him that they had increased their earnings by cultivating three crops annually, with horticultural produce such as cucumber and bottle gourd proving especially profitable.

Emphasising the need to diversify farming, Hazarika urged farmers to adopt parallel cropping by cultivating areca nut and black pepper along with existing crops to significantly enhance their income.

The Minister also reviewed issues raised by farmers, including irrigation facilities, market linkages for agricultural produce and the need for cold storage infrastructure. He assured them that the government would take appropriate measures to address these concerns.

Later, Hazarika inspected the lift irrigation project at Falangani and reviewed the progress of irrigation schemes in the district with departmental officials. He directed engineers to improve the efficiency of the project to ensure adequate irrigation coverage for a larger farming area.

Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia accompanied the Minister during the visit.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash