Shivraj Singh Chouhan assures full support for Assam agriculture and rural development
New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that there would be no shortage of funds or resources for Assam rural development during a high-level meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of central schemes related to agriculture and rural development in Assam. Officials also discussed measures to improve the delivery of welfare and infrastructure programmes across the state.
Chouhan said the Centre would extend full support to Assam in maximising benefits under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), MGNREGA and other flagship schemes. He added that the government remained committed to strengthening agriculture and rural livelihoods under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the discussions, Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal informed participants that technical issues in PMAY-G and MGNREGA systems had been resolved. Moreover, the Centre allocated MGNREGA funds according to the Assam government’s requirements.
Officials also announced that the Vikas Bharat-Rozgar Evam Aajeevika Mission (Rural) would replace MGNREGA across the country from July 1.
The meeting praised the Assam government’s decision to grant land ownership rights to tea garden workers. Consequently, Chouhan announced a special survey window to digitally record eligible beneficiaries and help them access PMAY-G housing benefits.
Assam rural development receives housing and agriculture boost
Chouhan handed over a draft Agriculture Action Plan prepared specifically for Assam’s climatic and soil conditions to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The plan aims to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve farmer incomes.
Officials highlighted that Assam had created more than nine lakh Lakhpati Didis, surpassing its target for women’s economic empowerment. Furthermore, authorities will work with incubators at Assam Agricultural University to strengthen women-led enterprises.
The Centre also reviewed projects approved under the Agricultural Mechanization programme and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. In addition, officials discussed providing power weeders to women farmers and expanding the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm.
To promote safe farming practices, authorities approved 1,500 bamboo polyhouses this year. Meanwhile, new pesticide and edible oil testing laboratories will be established under RKVY.
The meeting also focused on biodiversity conservation, agricultural research and land record digitisation. Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the Centre for supporting agriculture and rural initiatives in Assam and expressed confidence that the collaboration would accelerate development across the state.
