Trishna Pegu Doley
GUWAHATI : In a move to set a robust foundation for Atmanirbhar Assam close on the heels of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a scheme for setting up new and upgradation of 220 rice mills in Assam at a function held at Assam Administrative Staff College here today. It may be noted that that the scheme, which will be implemented by Assam Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited, will be executed under three categories that is setting up of new mills for one and two tonne capacity and upgradation of existing mills from one tonne to two tonne capacity. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal said that when the COVID 19 pandemic has given an opportunity to understand the boundless opportunities of Assam, State Government is creating a roadmap to make judicious use of its resources for achieving the state’s self reliance.
He also said the 220 rice mills to be set and upgraded across the state would help the rice farmers in the state. Sonowal also said that the forefathers of Assam set a strong foundation for agricultural growth of the state and Government of Assam is trying its best for the further growth of the sector so that culture and tradition of Assam which grew taking agriculture as one of the cornerstones can be made stronger. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who termed North East as Astalaxmi and new engine of growth, Sonowal said that true to his reiteration of transforming North East into an organic hub, his government has been working hard for the development of organic agri sector. The Chief Minister also said that his government is taking pragmatic steps for revamping the production procurement and supply chain for increasing the marketability of agricultural produce and profitability of the farmers. With the help of science, technology and innovation he called upon educated youths who are taking up agriculture as vocations to promote agriculture and make Assam one of the top performing states.
Sonowal also requested the beneficiaries, some of whom are alumni of IIM and engineering colleges, to make good use of the scheme to make it a success. It may be noted that initiated under financial assistance from AACPMS under CMSGUY, the scheme will play an integral role towards doubling farmers income, while encouraging entrepreneurs and youth to set up rice mills in the state. The other segments of the scheme are 50% investment subsidy upto a limit of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh for setting up rice mills of 1 tonne per hour and 2 tonne per hour respectively. Moreover, 50 per cent investment subsidy would also be provided upto a limit of Rs. 5 lakh for upgradation of rice mills from 1 tonne per hour to 2 ton per hour. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury also spoke on the occasion. Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami, Principal Secretary Agriculture Rajesh Prasad and a host of dignitaries and progressive farmers were present on the occasion.
