HT Bureau
DIPHU, Oct 18: Kati Bihu and Agriculture Awareness Campaign Committee of the Agriculture Department, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) organised Kati Bihu celebration cum awareness campaign at Manja Kheroni on Tuesday.
Participating in the programme the MLA of Howraghat, Darsing Ronghang informed the farmers that the Government of Assam is procuring paddy directly from farmers.
Ronghang said, “Never before has the Government procured paddy from farmers. Farmers have to sell their paddy at a low price in the market. But now the Assam Government has introduced a scheme for procurement of paddy from farmers by Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board. Government is procuring paddy for Rs. 2,400 per quintal from farmers. The Government doesn’t pay in cash, but through the account of the farmers.”
Ronghang also said it is the farmers who need to produce more paddy. Farmers should have Farmer’s Certificate to sell their produce. He asked the Agriculture officials to complete the process of giving Farmer’s Certificate to farmers by the end of November.
Executive member (EM), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Agriculture and Land and Revenue, Amarsing Tisso has emphasised on farming for self-sufficiency.
EM Tisso said the land of Karbi Anglong is very fertile and is suitable for growing any crop. He asked the farmers to consult with agriculture officials on suitability of crop depending on the variation of the soil of different places. Tisso said access to the market by the farmers is being given importance by the Government. Seeds are procured by Assam Seeds Corporation and National Seeds Corporation which guarantee their germination.
Later, Tisso and DC, Karbi Anglong, ACS, Madhumita Bagawati, members of Autonomous Council (MAC), Johnny Timung and Tilottima Hasnu lighted earthen lamps to mark Kati Bihu.
Tarpaulins were distributed to farmers by the Agriculture department on the occasion.