Assam Aims to Double Farmer Producer Companies to Boost Incomes
Assams agriculture minister directs efforts to double farmer producer companies, focusing on crop diversification and market linkages.
Guwahati, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Assam’s Agriculture Minister, Piyush Hazarika, has instructed officials to work towards doubling the number of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in the state. During a review meeting held on Monday in Khanapara, he emphasized the importance of crop diversification and enhancing market linkages to increase farmers’ incomes.
Hazarika assessed the progress of various agricultural initiatives, including the Makhana Mission, Edible Oil Palm Mission, and Pulses Mission. He also reviewed the proposed Rajma Mission for the Barak Valley.
The minister highlighted the need to move beyond traditional rice cultivation. He urged the promotion of alternative crops like Makhana, agarwood, edible oil palm, coconut, and dragon fruit, along with other fruits and horticultural products.
He directed senior officials to implement departmental plans promptly, strengthen accountability, and improve grassroots engagement to ensure that government initiatives provide tangible benefits to farmers. Hazarika reiterated the state government’s vision of transforming Assam into a major horticultural state by leveraging the agricultural potential of different districts.
In a separate meeting with representatives from a second unit, he discussed opportunities for enhancing potato cultivation and strengthening partnerships with farmers across Assam. This unit operates a plant in Nalbari and currently collaborates with around 1,200 potato farmers, addressing a significant demand for the crop.
Hazarika stressed the necessity of expanding existing market linkages to benefit more farmers and improve incomes for potato growers. The discussions focused on strengthening farmer-industry partnerships and finding ways to increase potato production to meet industry needs. He affirmed that strengthening the agricultural sector, promoting diverse crop uses, and enhancing industry-farmer partnerships will remain top priorities for the state government. Senior officials from the Agriculture Department and the Commissioner participated in the review meeting.
