GUWAHATI, Jan 8 � The country�s �Look East� policy can be a boon for the agriculture and horticulture sector in Assam, said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today.
He was speaking during the inaugural ceremony of the first Assam International Agri-Horticultural Show-2014 at the College of Veterinary Science Playground here.
The conference, which is the fourth in its row, has gone international this year with participation by countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Taiwan, Nepal, Italy, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Israel, Canada, UK, Myanmar, Laos, USA and The Netherlands.
Besides, more than 70 Indian companies and corporations, representing agri-machinery, seeds, fertilizers, financial institutions and various boards in the agriculture sector are also participating in the four-day event.
Highlighting the need and importance of the agricultural sector in the country, and especially in the State, Gogoi said that development in the primary sector helps in improving the economic condition of the residents.
Regarding the prospects and opportunities of agriculture and horticulture in Assam, Gogoi said the State has ample water and irrigation facility, significant amount of land and good weather condition which are conducive for performing multi-cropping and increasing productivity of crops.
He called upon the foreign investors and agri-industrialists to invest in the State�s agriculture and horticulture sector.
While mentioning about the advantages of the northeastern region and Assam, the Chief Minister said that future of the sector lies with proper implementation of the �Look East Policy� and hoped that the policy will help in increasing trade and commerce with the nearby countries.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Charan Das Mahant said that Assam has performed extremely well in the farm sector in the recent past and added that owing to favourable weather conditions, availability of rich resources and irrigation facility, the sector has developed significantly in the State.
The inaugural session was also attended by Kanna Lakshmi Narayana, Minister of Agriculture of Andhra Pradesh, Dr Benjong Liba, Minister of Agriculture of Nagaland and by foreign dignitaries, including Saw Myint Oo, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Sagaing region of Myanmar, U Myint Than, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Mandalay region of Myanmar, Dr Khamphad Sourinphoumy, Vice Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos, among others.
There are 117 national, international and corporate stalls and 320 stalls by local NGOs, self help groups, and government departments at the event.
