Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assures full support for strengthening agriculture infrastructure, mechanisation, cold storage and market linkages in Assam
SARIMUL LASKAR: In a significant step towards transforming Assam’s agriculture sector, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi today. The high-level meeting focused on modernising agriculture and ensuring greater prosperity for the state’s farmers through improved infrastructure and policy support.
During the constructive discussion, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the need for greater utilisation of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to develop modern cold storage facilities, processing units and warehouses across Assam. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of promoting mechanised farming practices, strengthening market linkages and building a robust supply chain system so that farmers can get better prices for their produce and minimise post-harvest losses.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the Assam government of complete central support for all these initiatives. Both leaders also reviewed the effective grassroots implementation of various farmer welfare schemes.
The meeting gave special attention to the progress of Assam’s popular ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, under which nearly 40 lakh women have already been empowered. This scheme has played a transformative role in strengthening rural livelihoods and boosting the grassroots economy of the state.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We have received full support from the Central Government. This discussion will usher in a new agricultural revolution in Assam. Our topmost priority is the economic development of farmers and rural women.”
Once implemented, these measures are expected to significantly benefit Assam’s farmers, particularly in sectors like vegetables, fruits and dairy production. The development of cold storage and efficient supply chains will reduce spoilage of perishable items, while greater mechanisation will lower labour costs and increase productivity. Experts believe these steps will position Assam as a leading agricultural state in Northeast India.
This high-level engagement between the Assam Chief Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister is being seen as a major boost for the state’s farming community and rural economy.
