ITANAGAR, May 2:As a part of Gram Swaraj Abhiyan “Kishan Kalyan Divas” has been observed at every block across the state today where workshops on doubling farmers’ income by 2022 were organized.

A workshop on doubling farmers’ income was organised by the Project Director, ATMA Tawang with support from Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang. Progressive farmers were honoured for their excellent work in the field of agriculture and horticulture during the programme.

Apart from highlighting the good agriculture and allied practices, the farmers were also explained at length on the centrally sponsored schemes and state plan schemes and flagship programmes of various departments. They were given seeds and manure free of cost including agricultural tools.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, MLA Tsering Tashi highlighted on the importance of agriculture with regard to the economy as well as cultural significance attached to it. Reflecting on the lack of opportunities due to diminishing agricultural land, MLA exhorted the farmers to adopt agriculture based businesses. He also reiterated on increasing productivity through intensification of crop per unit area, use of improved machineries and tools and commercial production of crops. 
Further lamenting on the approach of youths towards earning quick money through contract works, he advised everyone to embrace avenues that can provide sustainable employment. 

DC Tawang Sang Phuntsok also reflected on aspect of diversified farming and requested the farmers to take up cultivation of new crops viz. Walnut taking into consideration its climatic, soil suitability and its market value. Similar programmes were also organised at all blocks of the district.

At Namsai, Parliamentary Secretary, Planning, Chau Zingnu Namchoom, emphasized on use of technology in farming system, post-harvest management and marketing. He informed that many new initiatives like CMs Krishi RinnYojna, Adarsh Gram Yojna, CMs White Revolution schemes have already been launched by the state overnment. He further informed that this year state budget has specially given priority to Agriculture & allied sectors. He urged upon all officers to be proactive in formulating projects and transparent in implementation.

Deputy Commissioner, RK Sharma, requested the farmers to inculcate entrepreneurship and use the available resources of land &human optimally so that income is generated commiserating the investment to have a better Cost-benefit ratio.

In Pangin, it was celebrated at Government Higher Secondary School in presence of ADC Pangin Tamik Talom as chief guest, Deputy Director Agriculture Baleng Mengu and a host of other officers, Staff and PRI members in a programme which witnessed active participation from many SHGs and progressive farmers from the nearby villages like Pangin, Koreng, Yeksi etc. Agriculture Development Officer highlighted the aims and objectives of the programme and informed the participants about the various ongoing agricultural schemes while stressing on cooperation from all in achieving the target set by GoI for doubling the farmers income by 2022.

The programme was also celebrated at Rumgong where farmers were informed about various schemes and subsidies available and they were also encouraged to adopt and apply technical knowhow in farming.

A district wide outreach programme was conducted in all four Blocks of Anjaw district to mark Gram Swaraj Abhiyan by department of Agriculture & Horticulture today.

At the district headquarters CD Block, Hawai, the Krishi Kalyan  Karyashala was celebrated with similar programmes conducted in Quibang of Manchal Block, in Teepani of Chaglagam Block.

Monitoring the district wide programme, Deputy Commissioner, M. Riba appreciated the initiative of District Agriculture Office and called upon the people of the area to come forward to avail the proactive support of the allied Government department including KVK.

She urged them to help co-farmers to wean off Poppy cultivation so that menace of opium addiction could be contained.

Apart from agricultural crops, emphasis on high value and low volume crops like Kiwi, Honey production was laid to enhance their income.

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