DIPHU, Sept 09: The objective of gauging the yield of foxtail millet sown in the month of May by farmers of Amri Block, a crop cutting experiment was conducted at Umpanai village by Amri Helping Hands Society (AHHS) in West Karbi Anglong district on September 5.
The project was supported by NABARD in collaboration with Agriculture Department, West Karbi Anglong.
The CCE was carried out in presence of NABARD DDM of three hills districts Kamkhogin Vaiphei, SBI LDM in charge of KA & WKA Navin Basumatary, AGVB RM & AGM Naresh Chandra Roy, DAO i/c & Amri Circle ADO Biswajit Rongpi, Chinthong Block ADO Biraj Kalita, and Jain Irrigation Diganta Baruah among others.
Speaking on occasion, NABARD DDM Kamkhogin Vaiphei informed that FAO and the United Nations (UN) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM2023) and spoke briefly about Model Millet Project that NABARD has funded in 21 districts of Assam, including one in Amri Block West Karbi Anglong which is being implemented by AHHS. “There are 50 beneficiary farmers who are into foxtail millet cultivation. To ensure double income of the farmers, NABARD advised the Project Implementing Agency to focus on value additions of the millet and facilitating availability credit linkage support through AGVB Ulukunchi under KCC scheme based on latest scale of finance for millets,” he said. Further, the DDM requested the PIA and farmers to execute the project successfully so that it can be scaled up.
KA &WKA LDM Navin Basumatary also acquainted the farmers aware about various social security schemes such as PMSBY, PMJJY & APY and they can apply directly in the local bank.
Meanwhile, during his speech AGVB RM & AGM Naresh Chandra Roy also assured credit support to all eligible farmers and local entrepreneurs from his bank through KCC.
In his speech, DAO i/c & Amri Circle ADO Biswajit Rongpi also explained in detail the importance of scientific crop cutting experiment and correct procedures. He also explained the various schemes and support available for the farmers from the department such as PMKSY, seeds, expert guidance, KCC etc.
PMKSY nodal agency Jain Irrigation representative Jayanta Baruah also explained how the farmers can get high quality pipes, pump sets and technical support at subsidized rate.