PTI
GUWAHATI, JANUARY 30
Government is in progress to set up an agri-research institute in Kamrup district on the lines of Delhi-based Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today.
IARI was responsible for the agri-research leading to the Green Revolution in the country. A similar institute is being set in Assam to achieve second Green revolution.
“Approval has been accorded for opening another IARI Institute in Kamrup district of Assam on the line of IARI situated at PUSA, Delhi. From past several months, we have been making efforts for transfer of land from the state government,” Singh said at an event here.
That apart, a Regional Office of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for the North East region will also be established in Guwahati, he said in a statement. “We have also requested the state government to provide land for setting up a KVK at Dima Hasayo district,” he added.
Highlighting measures taken to boost horticulture in north eastern region, the minister said the Centre has reduced the area ceiling for open field cultivation from 5 acre to 2.5 acre and for Poly House/ Net House from 2,500 square meter to 1,000 square meter exclusively for this region.
“The very purpose of these changes is to ensure that hard working farmers of NE Region including Assam take maximum benefit of the schemes of the Government of India and contribute in the growth of the state,” he said.
The National Horticulture Board is promoting horticulture produce of north eastern region and also creating awareness among farmers about new technologies in various parts of the country through its Horti Fair known as “Hortisangam”.
Sharing the key features of the new schemes launched by NDA government in the agriculture sector, the minister appealed farmers to avail these schemes and contribute significantly in the development of the state.
