Union Minister Arjun Munda Inaugurates Key Infrastructure at IARI, Assam, Emphasizes Agricultural Development in North-East

Gogamukh:  Bolstering agricultural development in the North-Eastern region of India, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Arjun Munda, virtually inaugurated several key facilities at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, Assam. The inauguration ceremony, held today, saw the presence of Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kailash Choudhary, who also explored an exhibition stall showcasing agricultural innovations.

Shri Arjun Munda highlighted the special emphasis laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the holistic development of the North-Eastern states. He commended the efforts of the Central Government in bridging developmental gaps and bringing the region into the mainstream. The Minister stated that the Prime Minister’s vision is pivotal in shaping the North-East’s development, aligning with the government’s broader goal of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047, with agriculture playing a crucial role.

A notable initiative mentioned by Munda is a mission with a budget of Rs 11,000 crore aimed at reducing the dependency on edible oil imports and achieving self-reliance in oilseeds. He expressed the government’s commitment to working towards transforming the nation from an importer to an exporter in the future. The Minister emphasized the need for a vision-driven approach, asserting that success follows when guided by a clear vision.

Munda also stressed the importance of developing climate-resilient crop varieties, linking agriculture education to livelihood and employment opportunities, and giving special attention to biodiversity studies. He envisioned the IARI, Assam, becoming the preferred choice for research within a year.

Union Minister of State, Kailash Choudhary, urged scientists to tap into the natural diversity of the North-East Region and focus on technologies aligned with organic and natural farming. He emphasized the significance of researching pulses and oilseeds to reduce the country’s expenditure on their import. Choudhary highlighted the need for agricultural research to be entrepreneurial and encouraged free exchange of ideas among different organizations.

Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Education, Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes, Government of Assam, lauded the efforts of IARI, Assam, and stressed the importance of research in considering plant, animal, and fish diversity for environmental conservation.

Member of Parliament, Pradan Baruah, expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the realization of the dream to establish an institute of this stature in Assam. He hoped that the IARI, Assam, would meet the expectations of the young minds in the North-East.

The Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. Himansu Pathak, virtually addressed the gathering, outlining the objectives and mandates of IARI, Assam. He emphasized the immense potential in North-East India, assuring relentless support from ICAR to facilitate the institute’s progress.

Dr. A.K. Singh, Director of IARI, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the workers’ committee and acknowledged the presence of various dignitaries, including Dr. D.K. Singh, Dr. Anil Sirohi, Dr. Manoj Khanna, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Bhargav Sharma, Dr. Y.L. Singh, Dr. K.B. Pun, Ankur Bharali, and District Commissioner Dhemaji at the inauguration ceremony.