HP NEWS SERVICE
Shillong, Jul 3: Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Kailash Choudhary stated today that the efforts of farmers to work in tandem with the government have resulted in a bumper harvest in spite of the Covid-19 situation.
Choudhary made this observation while taking part in an e-symposium organised by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research & Analysis under the aegis of IIM Shillong today.
Speaking during this e-symposium, Choudhary also recalled his own background as a farmer’s son who has toiled the hard way before finding himself pulled towards taking up leadership role for nation building.
He also lauded the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for organising the symposium by saying, “We are grateful for this effort which is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for the growth of the agriculture sector.”
Choudhary also expressed his confidence that that if such initiatives designed for achieving results are taken forward in right earnest then roadmaps for growth and development will be palpably felt right through to the grass root levels.
Also speaking in the event, the former Ambassador and member of the Board of Governors, Amalgamated Plantations, Shillong, Rudy Warjri talked about both the philosophical and specific parts of his concepts on the sector.
“Northeast has to cultivate a development model paradigm of its own, given the geography, background, developmental level, which in its present context can be dovetailed into the PM’s vision of Atma Nirbhar, liquidity in relation to SMEs while also seeking the possible models that could be attractive for investors,” he said.
Commenting on the discourses during the e-symposium, Member of the Board of Governors, Atul Kulkarni while moderating the session said, “What emerges clearly is the need for produce, process and place approach when it comes to horticulture.”
He also stressed on the need to place products in the right market for greater deserving value.
“There is a great potential for Horticulture in North East region. Every state has unique strengths and character which have been fully utilised to develop specific products,” Sikkim’s Minister of Food Security, Agriculture, Horticulture and Cash Crops, Lok Nath Sharma said in his valedictory address.
He also pointed out that there is a great opportunity for product diversification and market extension in the region in view of the unique climate and geographical location. “Horticulture diversification should form the cornerstone to form a strong horticulture industry in the region,” he said.
The e-symposium was held under the theme ‘Organizing Community for Horticulture’ under the e-Symposia Series on Emergent North East India: Strategic and Developmental Imperatives.
