Now it's potato export time for Assam

By Staff Reporter, GUWAHATI, Jan 31: Assam has always imported potatoes from other States. But this time the tables have turned and Assam is all set to export 10,000 metric tonnes of potatoes to Arunachal Pradesh. Talks are also on with Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur governments, said State Agriculture Minister Nilomoni Sen Deka. He was addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Tuesday.

He said, "During 2011-12, 75,000 quintal seeds of mixed crops were distributed among farmers. Cultivation was done in 2.9 lakh hectare agricultural land. Out of this, 1.20 lakh hectare land was devoted for potato production. In this fiscal, potato seeds were distributed among four lakh beneficiaries. This time there has been a good potato harvest. Assam now is in a position to export potatoes to other States."

The Minister also spoke about the Rs 100-crore terminal market that the government has decided to set up for the benefit of farmers. The government is looking for a 100-bigha land to set up this market. This market, which is likely to come up either at Rani, Baihata Chariali or Kamalpur, will be based on the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.

Deka further said that following allegations of political interference in the Agricultural Marketing Board, the government would revamp the board to erase out any scope of political interference.

"A low-cost greenhouse project has been started in Hajo to enhance flower production in the State. Under this project, 50 greenhouse units have been set up," said Deka. He added that the government had received a Rs 50-crore fund from the Central Government to set up more cold storage facilities in the State.

The Minister also talked about improving the Horticulture Department. "Horticulture expert Dr Sunindra Prasad Ghosh has been appointed as consultant in the Horticulture Department," he said, and added that the department would now focus on medicinal plants.

The Minister announced that the 18th Annual State-level Agri-horticultural Show, 2012 would be held from February 3 to February 7 at the AEI playground at Chandmari in Guwahati.

 

Home | Mail