PM lays Foundation Stone of IARI at Gogamukh in Assam, addresses large public meeting

Addressing a large public meeting on the occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the State Government in Assam and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, for the work done by them in the State.

He said the foundation stone of IARI laid today, had the potential to impact the entire region in a positive way in the future. He said agriculture needs to be developed in line with the requirements of the 21st century. He added that farmers must benefit from the changing technology.

He stressed on the need of modern agriculture and technological interventions, keeping in mind the specific needs of the region.

The Prime Minister spoke of his vision of doubling farmers' incomes by 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence.

The Prime Minister said the Union Government had taken a number of steps for farmers' welfare in the last three years. In this context he mentioned the soil health cards, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He spoke of the vast network of soil health laboratories being set up across the country, and the popularity of the Fasal Bima Yojana among farmers.

The Prime Minister spoke of "Panch Tatva" - five elements to boost connectivity in the North-East: Railways, Highways, Airways, Waterways, and i-ways. He said his Government is working towards boosting prosperity and welfare of the people in the North-East through this "panch-tatva."

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Agriculture Minister said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has pledged to double the farmers' income by 2022 and we are committed to fulfil his resolve. In continuation, visualising the potential of north eastern states in improving the production of agriculture and allied sectors and farmers knowledge enhancement, impart appropriate agriculture information, the top level of agricultural research and education in the country, a new branch of Indian agricultural Institute is being established in Assam. In these states of north-east we see special glimpses of diversity and due to the agroclimatic condition cultivation of not only different types of crops but diverse types of spices are being successfully carried out. Now we need to accelerate this further and in achieving this goal, establishment of the agricultural institute will be a decisive step. I would like to say that establishment of this institute will be an important initiative in enhancing agricultural production and productivity together with the high standard of education and research and in times to come it will definitely improve the living standard of farmers of north eastern states of the country.

Shri Singh said that to bring in another round of green revolution in the north-eastern parts of the country, the Prime Minister is laying the foundation stone of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam, literally a replica of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.