Assam government today said it has disbursed over Rs 6,800 crore loans to more than 14 lakh farmers under Kisan Credit Card scheme since 2001.
Addressing a press conference here, the state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said "finally green revolution or agriculture revolution is happening in Assam. We are seeing an economic development in rural areas due to our constant focus on agriculture."
The state is witnessing robust production in almost every area of agriculture like rice, fruits, vegetables, dairy, fishery and food processing sector, he added.
"Since 2001, we have helped over 14 lakh farmers under KCC and we disbursed Rs 6,830 crore worth of loans. We have also covered over 3 lakh farmers under crop insurance," Gogoi said.
He admitted that the rural economy was in bad shape as the state was giving less importance to agriculture earlier and the only thrust area was oil and gas sector.
"...But now we are giving a big push to this sector. Mechanisation in agriculture and overall infrastructure development has further helped the agriculture community," Gogoi said, adding the government is going to push agriculture in a "big way" over the next 1-2 years.
The Chief Minister also said to control inflation, the government has excluded all vegetables and fruits from the list of The Assam Agricultural Produce Market Act 1972, resulting in exemption of all kinds of cess on sale of such products in the state.
"We are also increasing vigilance on anomalies in essential commodities. We registered 888 cases in 2013 compared to 576 cases in 2012," he added.
Talking about the Lokayukta Act, he said the state will repeal the existing one and will introduce a new Bill comprising same provisions and power having in the Union Act.
On Rahul Gandhi's statement that he is ready to take any responsibility, Gogoi said: "I welcome this and it is very encouraging for us. I had said earlier also that Rahul Gandhi should be projected as the Prime Minister candidate for the Congress party."
Mentioning the recent violence in Karbi Anglong district, he said the situation is becoming normal with around 600 Rengma Nagas returning to their villages from the relief camps, where around 3,000 people were taking shelter.
When asked about Aam Aadmi Party, he said: "Anybody forming a political party in a democracy is welcome. It increases competitiveness.
