Shillong, Jan 08: “The future of the sector lies with proper implementation of the ‘Look East Policy’. The State Government is also looking for employment of sustainable development in the sector. In this regard, the role of Department of Agriculture and Horticulture is praiseworthy” Gogoi said.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Directorate of Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing Government of Assam , Assam Agricultural University in association with Assam Horticultural Society organized the 1stAssam International Agri-Horticultural Show 2014 at College of Veterinary Science Playground, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India from 8th to 11th January, 2014, the biggest ever Conference-cum-Exhibition ever organized in North-Eastern Region of India showcasing the prospect and potential of the region and especially that of Assam with respect to agriculture and horticulture sector.
The conference has gone International this year with active support and participation of countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Taiwan, Nepal, Italy, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Israel, Canada, UK, Myanmar, Laos, United States of America and Netherlands and more than 70 Indian companies and corporations representing agri-machinery, seeds, fertilizers, financial institutions and various Boards in the Agriculture Sector. Sectors of specialization for international exhibitors include agriculture and horticulture products like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides & agro chemicals, food & beverage industry, food processing, nutritional management, animal feeds, fruits & vegetables, biotech, livestock & storage units. Alongside, there will be participation of International Chambers of Commerce, Consulates & High Commission and foreign Farming Development Societies.
The inaugural session of the 4-day conference was attended by eminent dignitaries and notable personage from Government of India, Government of Assam and Consulates.
Delivering his speach as the chief Guest ,Gogoi, appreciated the performance and activities of Department of Agriculture and Ministry of Horticulture of Government of Assam for their efforts in developing the sector grossly in the recent years.
Speaking on the need and importance of agricultural sector in the country and especially in the state of Assam, he said that development and prosperity of the sector helps in improving the economic condition of the residents and people of the state. He also mentioned about the prospects and opportunities of the state’s sector; there is ample water and irrigation facility in the state, significant amount of land availability and good weather condition conducive for performing multi-cropping and increasing productivity of the crops. Mr. Gogoi said that opportunities galore in the state with respect to the sector and he cordially invited the foreign investors and industrialists for investing in the state across agriculture and horticulture sector.
While mentioning about the advantages of the region and that of the state, he said that future of the sector lies with proper implementation of the ‘Look East Policy’ and hoped that the policy will help in increasing trade and commerce with the nearby countries.
However, for witnessing the envisaged growth of the sector and the economy, the requirement of skilled employment and large number of educated people in agri-horti sector is called for. In the concluding remarks, he said that the State Government is looking for employment of sustainable development in the sector. There is a need to remove the presence of middlemen to reach the desired level of growth and development of the sector. He hoped that there will be more investments and capital deployment in the agriculture and horticulture sector in the state in days to come.
Charan Das Mahant, Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Processing Industries, Government of India said that the state of Assam has performed extremely well in the recent past and has the performance has even been better than many other states of the country.
He said, ” Owing to some of the favourable weather conditions, availability of rich resources and irrigation facility, the sector has developed significantly.
” He hoped that with proper implementation of Central and State Policies, the sector will grow in multitude of dimensions in future.”(SP News)
