Indus Valley Times

By Dalim Phukan

Guwahati/Assam, Oct 12 : Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika today reviewed the ongoing works and development initiatives of the Agriculture and Irrigation Departments in Dima Hasao district during a meeting at the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council’s Conference Hall in Haflong. The meeting discussed the district’s agricultural and horticultural potential, irrigation infrastructure and measures to enhance farmers’ income.

Highlighting Dima Hasao’s potential for oil palm cultivation, the Minister noted that approximately 4,193 hectares have been identified and brought under oil palm plantation during the current year. He called for further expansion of cultivation, alongside greater emphasis on horticulture, including banana, apple ber, ginger, dragon fruit and pineapple. The proposed distribution of five to seven lakh saplings was also discussed, with the Minister directing officials to ensure proper beneficiary identification and effective implementation.

Reviewing irrigation infrastructure, the meeting was informed that 84 irrigation schemes are currently ongoing, covering around 3,170 hectares, while irrigation potential of approximately 12,000 hectares has been created. The Minister stated that the proposed Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) would place greater emphasis on strengthening irrigation facilities in the hill district. He also stressed better coordination between the two departments and urged eligible farmers to keep their PM-KISAN registration and records updated. Around 22,000 farmers in the district are beneficiaries of the scheme.

Later, the Minister visited the ongoing irrigation scheme at Chandpur Nagar, Kalachand, which covers over 300 hectares of agricultural land across 12 villages. Accompanied by Chief Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Debolal Gorlosa and senior departmental officers, he inspected the scheme’s functioning and assessed its utility. Considering the district’s agricultural potential, he directed departmental engineers to examine the feasibility of larger irrigation projects at suitable locations.

The Minister also visited the Hadingma Gunjung Farmer Producer Company (FPC), which has around 500 registered farmers engaged in cultivating ginger, turmeric, banana, areca nut, pineapple, papaya and other crops. He highlighted the FPC’s proposed achievement of becoming the first FPC in India to receive Demeter certification by next year, a milestone that would promote sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. He assured that logistical assistance and capacity-building support would be extended to strengthen the FPC, improve market access and help farmers secure better returns.

During the visit, the Minister also interacted with farmer Shri Tapan Haflongbar at his farmland and discussed his agricultural activities and experiences.

The review meeting and field visits reaffirmed the government’s focus on unlocking Dima Hasao’s agricultural potential through expanded cultivation, improved irrigation infrastructure, stronger farmer institutions and effective implementation of welfare schemes.

The Minister also visited a palm oil cultivation site at Purana Kongkoori, Hamri, and interacted with farmers, emphasising the promotion of oil palm cultivation alongside other suitable crops to diversify farming and enhance farmers’ income.