HT Correspondent
JORHAT, July 16: Agriculture Minister Atul Bora has announced that the state government will extend all necessary assistance to progressive farmer Mahan Chandra Bora, who has preserved over 500 indigenous rice varieties in a unique seed library initiative at Meleng Kathgaon in Jorhat district.
Bora made the announcement after visiting the Annapurna Seed Library.
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Set up by Mahan Chandra Bora, the library is considered the first indigenous seed lending library in Northeast India.
It houses hundreds of traditional and wild paddy varieties, many of which are climate-resilient—capable of withstanding floods, droughts, and pest attacks.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, the Minister lauded Bora’s remarkable efforts, describing them as a “significant contribution” to the development of the agriculture sector in Assam.
“It was thrilling to witness varieties dating back to the 15th century and others resistant to pests and adverse weather,” he said.
Bora added that he first met the farmer during a felicitation ceremony in Guwahati, and was inspired to learn more about the initiative.
The Minister encouraged farmers across the state to visit the library and learn from the progressive practices being adopted there.
He also expressed happiness that students and researchers from Assam Agricultural University (AAU) have been engaging with the seed library as part of their academic pursuits.
Highlighting the broader relevance of such efforts, Bora said the impact of climate change on agriculture was becoming increasingly evident, with parts of Assam currently facing either drought-like conditions or floods.
“While a dry spell is affecting several regions, six districts are simultaneously dealing with floods that have damaged large crop areas,” he said, adding that the government is monitoring the situation closely to mitigate the impact on farmers.
The Minister noted with satisfaction that a growing number of educated youth were now entering the agriculture sector and contributing meaningfully to the state’s agri-based economy.
He said Assam’s agricultural produce was finding markets outside the state as well, indicating promising export potential.
Earlier in the day, Bora—who is also the president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)—held an internal meeting with party leaders from Jorhat and Majuli district units and its allied organisations at the district AGP office.
Party sources said the discussions focused on grassroots-level concerns and dissatisfaction among workers.
The AGP leadership, including Working President and Minister Keshab Mahanta, is expected to undertake a tour of Upper Assam and other parts of the state to strengthen party organisation and address workers’ grievances.
