10-point action plan to boost NE agri sector

GUWAHATI, April 8: The fifth Agricultural Science Congress which concluded here today, has drawn up a 10-point action plan in a bid to give an impetus to the agricultural sector of the Northeast. The action plan, termed as 'Guwahati Declaration' of the Congress, land emphasis on gearing up the marketing system and preservation of 15,000 agriculturally important species which are facing extinction, in the Northeast. It also suggested preservation of ecosystem and aromatic plants of the region. The four-day congress had a marathon deliberation on the agriculture sector covering all aspects and favoured initiating steps for conservation of natural resources immediately. The scientists attending the Congress expressed the view that rapid extraction of water resources might lead to a serious problem in near future and a pragmatic step should be initiated immediately. On the other hand, in the veterinary sector, keeping in view abundance of 'indigenous pigs', the Congress suggested gearing up export activities with the neighbouring countries by setting up an export hub in the Northeast with an eye to garner revenue. Later, talking to the media, the president of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), V L Chopra, said that Field Management Committees (FMCs) of the State should be activated by providing maximum inputs so that they can provide adequate knowledge to the farmers in the field. "FMCs can become the major instruments for providing latest information to the small farmers for ushering in an ever-green revolution, Chopra said. On the farming system, he expressed the view that Assam had got potential for integrated farming system and therefore a concerted effort should be initiated in this regard. On a question about lack of support from the extension wing of the State, Agriculture department, he revealed that it should be revamped in the greater interest of the farmers. Chopra also laid emphasis on production of hybrid rice by involving FMCs in order to achieve the desired results. He further said that post-harvest technology should be strengthened including setting up of cold storages in rural areas so that farmers can get proper price from their produces. "Agro-forestry should also be developed in a pragmatic manner so as to reduce jhum cultivation among the farmers," he added.