Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is slated to visit Assam in the coming days to assess the dual impact of floods and drought on the state’s farming sector. The announcement came during a high-level meeting in New Delhi with ministers from Assam and Rajasthan, where Chouhan expressed serious concern over the hardships faced by the agrarian community in the North Eastern state.
“We are committed to standing by the farmers of Assam in this time of distress. I will soon visit the state to hear their concerns firsthand and coordinate relief measures,” the Union Minister said during the discussion.
Assam, which has been grappling with erratic weather patterns this monsoon, is witnessing widespread agricultural damage due to alternating spells of inundation and water scarcity. In response, the Centre has initiated targeted support to mitigate the damage and ensure continuity in crop production.
To support resilient farming, Chouhan has directed the immediate notification of region-suitable crop varieties including rajma (kidney beans), masoor (red lentils), arhar (pigeon pea), and sunflower for Assam. These crops are considered better suited to the evolving agro-climatic conditions in the state and are expected to help farmers adapt to future climate uncertainties.
In a major boost to sustainable agriculture in the region, the Union Minister also announced a one-year extension of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) specifically for Assam. The scheme has been instrumental in promoting organic practices, improving market access, and increasing incomes of tribal and smallholder farmers.
During the meeting, Chouhan acknowledged that fake seeds and fertilisers remain a persistent threat to farmers across the country, including Assam. He assured that the Centre will take stricter legal measures to prevent such fraudulent practices.
“We are extremely serious about the issue of fake seeds and fertilisers, and we will make the law stricter,”
Chouhan asserted, adding that stronger oversight mechanisms are being planned to safeguard farmers.
While the meeting also included discussions with Rajasthan officials on drought preparedness and seed quality issues, the primary focus remained on urgent agricultural interventions in Assam. Officials from the Union Agriculture Ministry have been instructed to expedite support and coordination with the state government.
The proposed visit by Chouhan marks the Centre’s renewed attention toward the North East, particularly as climate-related challenges increasingly threaten the region’s agricultural economy.
