Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan last month chaired a crucial meeting to review the progress of various schemes under his Ministry in the State. He arrived on January 8 and attended a programme in Guwahati, showcasing Assam’s continued agricultural and rural development under the leadership of both the Union and State governments.
He later reviewed the progress made by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Panchayat & Rural Developments. State Cabinet Ministers Atul Bora and Ranjeet Kr Dass were present at the meeting, sharing the progress of their respective departments.
Following the meeting, Chouhan took to X to express his satisfaction with Assam’s growth. He wrote, “Assam is witnessing unparalleled progress under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. I am happy to see the successful implementation of all schemes under both the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development. I thank the State Government for this.”
He added, “We are continuously working for the welfare of farmers, rural development, and ensuring that our villages become self-reliant. We will continue to pursue these efforts.”
Minister Atul Bora, of Assam’s Agriculture Department, also highlighted the positive strides in agriculture, stating, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi and the tireless efforts of Hon’ble CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam is experiencing unprecedented development in various sectors, especially agriculture, which is the backbone of our state’s economy. During the meeting, we discussed several critical issues aimed at ensuring dignity, prosperity, and progress for our farmers, while enhancing Assam’s agriculture sector. I am deeply grateful to the Union Minister for his positive response and continued support.”
“I am confident that today’s pivotal discussions will provide renewed impetus to the development of the agriculture sector and enhance the welfare of farmers in Assam,” Minister Bora stated.
Minister of Panchayat & Rural Development Department Ranjeet Kumar Dass, thanked the Union Minister for his support and for the continued progress of the department and the achievements made.
On January 9, the Union Minister, and the Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma jointly performed the Griha Pravesh of 50,000 new homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).
During the same event, agricultural machinery worth ₹32.64 cr under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), ₹28 cr under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), and ₹2 crore under the MOVCD-NER scheme were distributed.
Additionally, 20 ‘Mahalakhpati Baideo’ from the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to rural development and self-help initiatives. The event also marked the virtual inauguration of two critical infrastructure projects: the Uparhali Principal Market Yard of ASAMB in Kamrup and the Jamunamukh Warehouse in Hojai, aimed at improving market access and storage facilities for farmers and bolstering the rural economy.
While addressing a meeting, the Union Minister announced the approval of 3.88 lakh houses under PMAY in Assam and presented an approval letter to the Chief Minister. He emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation and introduced the concept of a ‘Self-Survey’ system to ensure no eligible person or deserving family is deprived of receiving housing assistance.
The Union Minister also spoke about Assam and the North East’s agricultural potential, urging the adoption of modern technologies and farming techniques. “The Union Government will provide full support to help harness this potential,” he affirmed. Additionally, he assured that support for crop damage due to wild animals would be provided under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, highlighted the State’s efforts to improve housing, stating, “Till date, we have distributed over 20 lakh houses in Assam, and our efforts continue to expand this initiative. We have also taken the initiative to financially support the women entrepreneurs through the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan-Rural scheme, to empower them and become self-reliant.
