At Naba Dihira in Baksa district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for the College of Agroforestry and Biodiversity as well as the Bengal Florican Conservation, Research, and Ecotourism Site. At the event, he also inaugurated 107 Anganwadi Centres built using MGNREGA funds for the years 2021-22.
"To examine prospects for commercial agricultural production in Assam, the state government would establish an Agricultural Commission of specialists and agricultural scientists." In his statement, the Chief Minister stated, "It will make recommendations for enhancing production and farmers' profits."
He claimed that Kokolabari Agri Farm has a long history and that the BTR administration has been working to expand the farm. He also spoke on the state government's efforts to raise Assam's per capita income and GDP while maximising the use of the state's resource.
He further said that despite having a favorable environment for agriculture and related industries, Assam continues to import food from other countries. Only words can move a race forward if no one is prepared to work hard, and he maintained that aggressive agricultural operations are essential for achieving self-sufficiency.
Both the state government and the BTR administration have agreed to work together to establish a national level institute at Kokolabari Agri Farm. He also promised that extra funds will be allocated to the Soil Conservation Department for the implementation of river erosion control plans in the region, as well as consideration of all other requests from the local community.
Later, the Chief Minister met with representatives of the local population, NGOs, and Manas National Park forest authorities. He also presented certificates of gratitude to forest guards, foresters, and others who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the MNP. He also stated that the state government will consider alternatives for implementing ecotourism and other livelihood projects for the local residents.
Source: Krishi Jagran