GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRINTING
// NAHARLAGUN //
PRESS RELEASE
AGRICULTURE AOP MEETING BEGINS
The Annual Operating Plan meeting of the department of Agriculture for 2003-2004 has began on 7th May 2003. Mr. Tako Dabi, minister (Agriculture), Mr. Naresh Glow, minister of state (Agriculture), Mr. T.Talo, Secretary, Mr. P.K.Bhattacharjee, Director, Mr.T.Basar, Joint Director, Mr. P. Singh, Joint Director, all the Deputy Directors, District Agriculture Officers, Sub Division Agriculture Officers and Project Officers are attending the meeting. Mr. D.K.Thongdok, minister of state (Education), Mr. H.Rajesh Prasad, Deputy Commissioner, Bomdila, Mr. Tashi Lama, SP, Bomdila, Mr. R.D.Thongdok, Chairman, Zilla Parishad, West Kameng, district heads of department, invited progressive farmers attended the inaugural function. Speaking on the inaugural function, which was held in the Sport Complex, Bomdila, Mr. Dabi said that the state economy is based on agriculture therefore the department needs to improve The agriculture minister calling for selective approach in programme implementation said that programme should be taken up based on potential, location and on commercialization. He also called for effective marketing support to the farmers, research and proper coordination with nation research agencies. He minister added that top priority should be given on improvement farmersā€™ income, impeding of shifting cultivation, dissemination information on the field of agriculture, timely distribution of seeds use of IT, price control, promotion of organic in agricultural project etc. Mr. Dabi informed the officers that Government of India has reduce the subsidies in Agriculture, therefore, he request them to come up with plans and projects to exploit the full agricultural potential of the state. Commenting on West Kameng district, the minister said that it is emerging as leading district of the state in the field of agriculture by it spectacular production. Congra tulating the farmers, he said it is a positive development towards self-reliance. Mr. Glow in his address asked the officers of the department to give maximum emphasis on providing marketing avenues and facilities to the farmers for their products. He said this will encourage the farmers to produce more, which in turn will improve their economy. He also called for setting up of storage facilities and processing units. Mr. D.K.Thongdok, who also spoke on the occasion, appealed upon the officers of Agriculture department to encourage farmers to go for commercial farming. He also asked for enhancement of fund for procurement of fertilizers and seeds. The minister informed the house of the Kisan Credit cards, which is very successful in the district. Mr. Tajom Talo, Secretary Agriculture, while addressing the gathering said that while preparing the AOP, the planner should remember the mandate of the department to the people of the state. It will facilitate them to plan better. The secretary added that to ensure food security, the department needs to implement programmes in the best way and in utmost sincerity. Mr. Talo also gave emphasis on dissemination of information and technology in the field of Agriculture to the farmers. While thanking the district administration for the arrangement for the meeting at Bomdila, the secretary informed that the district headquarter was selected for holding the meet to provide a chance to the officers of the department to see the agriculture activities in the district as it is the leading district in the state in agri-horti production. He felt that it will motivate the officers and put a new zeal in their works. In his keynote address, Mr. P.K.Bhattacharjee, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh said that it is an honour to the farmers of the district to have the AOP meeting at Bomdila. Talking on the business of the meet, the Director said that the department holds the responsibility to fulfill the aspiration of the farmers, government and people as a whole. He called upon the field officers and officials of the department to take up the field works very serious and improve and exploit the potential to the maximum, which in turn will help the capacity of each farmer in the state. Mr. Bhattacharjee also stressed on commercial crop farming and cited the example of tomato farmers of Rupa, West Kameng district. Regarding the policy matter, the Agriculture Director said that every programme cannot be implemented in the all districts. Only schemes where there are vast potential, the selected schemes will be taken up. The Director also informed the house on t he achievements of the department. Mr. Gombu Chiduni, a Progressive Farmer from Wanghoo village, 12 km from Bomdila, who was one of the special invitees said that since business and government jobs are drying up, people are turning towards farming. Now large numbers of people are involve in agriculture and large area are engaged in it, but the fund for procurement of seeds and fertilizers has not increase. Therefore, he requested for increase in fund allocation, help for upcoming progressive farmers, facilities for marketing and quality and modernization. He also requests the senior officers to direct the field staff to go for proper supervision and inspection. Earlier, while welcoming the delegates, Mr. H.Rajesh Prasad, Deputy Commissioner extended his sincere thanks to the ministers and officers of the agriculture department for holding such an important meeting at Bomdla. In the three days meeting a detail discussion will be held on the physical achievement in the year 2002-2003 and planning for the coming financial year. He added that planning would be mainly based on New Agriculture policy. It is for the second time that the AOP meeting of the department is held outside the state capital. Last time it was held at Pasighat.
Atum Potom,
DIPRO, BOMDILA.