"Realising the inadequacy of financial resources of the small and marginal farmers, my government has decided to enhance assistance to the farmers for purchase of costly farm machinery through this programme," Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said after launching the programe.
He said food and farm income security has been the main focused agenda of the state government which is committed to making this sector into a paying profession.
"My government has decided to provide 100 tractors, 300 power tillers, 700 pumping sets and 500 rice mills to the beneficiaries within this year as the first phase of the programme," the Chief Minister said. Tuki also distributed two tractors and a power tiller on the occasion.
He said, agriculture and allied activities being the primary occupation of the people of the state, the sector needed special attention and the government had accorded topmost priority to this area.
The Chief Minister, who also launched the Zero interest Kisan Credit Card (KCC) programme on the occasion, said the programme was aimed at facilitating the farmers to be credit worthy.
"The programme is going to help the deserving farmers to be able to access bank loans enabling them to invest in seasonal farm operations for higher production," he said.
"We will facilitate the farmers to enhance their income through diversification of crops and commercialisation. Special impetus is being put on floriculture, orchids, cane and bamboo and other market-sensitive forest produce."
The state government is giving top priority to setting up of fruit processing units, construction of laboratories for quality control and certification, he said.
The challenges for disposal of surplus product will be looked after by the State Agricultural Marketing Board, which has been strengthened and revamped, he added.
"My government is laying emphasis on high altitude fish products specially trouts and other local fishes in the abundant natural lakes and streams of the state," he said.
The state has witnessed a whopping 195 per cent growth in the horticulture segment, particularly in production of orange, apple and Kiwi during 2010-11, he said.
Tuki also announced to construct a permanent Krishi expo centre at Karsingsha and to provide adequate fund from special plan assistance in the next financial year so that the farmers could sell their products under a common platform.
