GUWAHATI, Feb 27 -�Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi today called for a foolproof�convergence model covering policy makers, resource allocators, technology generators, product handlers and strategists for achieving the target of doubling farmers� income by 2022.
Inaugurating an international conference titled �Animal Agriculture for Doubling Farmers� Income� at the College of Veterinary Science at Khanapara today, Prof Mukhi said that a comprehensive programme is required�to showcase the power of technology, policy and strategy to double the income of the farmers within the stipulated period. He also informed that for doubling farmers� income, he himself had raised the issue with the Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, adding that after the VC prepares the roadmap and identifies the partners from all related departments, including the banks and other financing agencies, the model would be adequately replicated on a mission mode to empower the farming community. He also elicited the contribution and involvement of all stakeholders to make the farmers happier and wealthier.
Prof Mukhi also stressed the need to use the livestock and poultry sector in the State, which constitutes nearly 12 per cent of the total livestock population of the country, in doubling farmers� income and accordingly ensure that the sector becomes an inseparable component of agriculture in the State.
The Governor also observed that�the livestock population in India as well in Assam�shows a rather dismal scenario. Most of these animals are unproductive and have become a bane rather than a boon for the livestock farmers.�This has resulted in migration of farmers from animal agriculture to much greener pastures in the urban areas. He advocated devising�mechanisms to make livestock farming more lucrative particularly in Assam and the entire North East to halt this migration.
The Governor also said that the present State government is encouraging youths to enter into startup ventures for production and marketing of cheaper but quality animal feed with locally available feed ingredients for the farm animals. Startup companies can also venture in for door-to-door vaccination service delivery and ICT-based monitoring of animal health and production parameters. The Governor also solicited technical advice and other assistance from delegates attending the seminar.
Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University Dr KM Bujarbaruah; Commissioner, Finance and Animal Husbandry, Govt of Assam Shyam Jagannathan; Dean of College of Veterinary Science Dr Bibeka Saikia; progressive farmer Samir Bordoloi; organising secretary Dr KK Sharma along with delegates from different parts of the country were present at the inaugural function.
