Goalpara Boost: Minister Pijush Hazarika Reviews Agri & Irrigation Push
Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika visits Goalpara to review irrigation, oil palm cultivation, and market infrastructure to boost farmers' income.
In a comprehensive effort to bolster the agricultural landscape of Assam, Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation and Parliamentary Affairs, Pijush Hazarika, conducted an extensive visit to the Goalpara district. The visit, which took place on Saturday, was centered around reviewing departmental schemes and developmental initiatives aimed at empowering local farmers and enhancing rural infrastructure.
Accompanied by MLAs Tankeswar Rabha and Pabitra Rabha, the Minister engaged in a series of field inspections and high-level review meetings to ensure that government promises are translating into ground-level results.
Focus on Markets and Seedlings
One of the primary stops during the visit was the Darangiri Banana Market. Interacting directly with traders and farmers, Minister Hazarika addressed their immediate concerns. He assured the farming community of the government's support, promising the provision of high-quality banana seedlings and a phased expansion of irrigation facilities to increase yield and profitability.
Furthermore, the Minister inspected the construction of a new market building. To ensure the project does not drag on, he issued strict directives to officials to make the facility fully operational by January 2027.
Diversification: From Oil Palm to Makhana
At Deulguri, the focus shifted toward agricultural diversification. After visiting an oil palm plantation, the Minister chaired a detailed review meeting with stakeholders, farmers, and departmental officials. The discussions covered several critical areas:
- Cultivation & Registration: Reviewing farmer registration and the distribution of seedlings for oil palm.
- Infrastructure & Funding: Assessing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and the strengthening of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
- New Frontiers: Identifying suitable water bodies for Makhana cultivation and promoting Agar cultivation.
- State-wide Goals: The meeting touched upon the ambitious target of establishing 1,500 FPCs across Assam, with a specific goal of setting up at least two mushroom processing units within Goalpara.
During this segment of the visit, the Minister also distributed Paddy Procurement Certificates to farmers who had successfully sold their produce to the Government.
Unlocking Irrigation Potential
Water management remained a key priority as Minister Hazarika inspected the Habri FIS and Deosila FIS under the Dudhnoi LAC. The inspection revealed a significant gap between current usage and total potential:
- Habri FIS: Currently covers 100 hectares, but possesses a potential of 600 hectares.
- Deosila FIS: Currently covers 405 hectares, but can extend to 940 hectares.
The Minister assured the local farmers that the government is committed to utilizing the full irrigation potential of these systems by next year and ordered officials to fast-track the necessary processes.
Honoring Excellence and Promoting Sports
Beyond policy and infrastructure, the visit included a personal touch. Minister Hazarika visited the residence of Harakanta Basumatary, a progressive farmer and Assam Gaurav awardee. He felicitated Basumatary for his outstanding contributions to agriculture, specifically in the field of edible oil palm cultivation.
Ending the visit on a high note, the Minister inaugurated the Gram Panchayat Level Competitions under Khel Maharan 3.0 at the Udaipur Playground in Dudhnoi. The event was attended by the District Commissioner of Goalpara and the accompanying MLAs.
This comprehensive tour underscores the Assam government's broader strategy to enhance farmers' livelihoods by improving market access, expanding irrigation, and promoting a diverse range of high-value crops.