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4th International Agri-Horticulture show kicks off at Khanapara Juthika Baruah
The exhibition is held with the objective of introducing innovative techniques and inspiring farmers in Agriculture, Horticulture to increase productivity through scientific methods
cm sarbananda sonowal with agriculture minister atul bora inaugurating the expo | G plus photo
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he Assam International Agri-Horticultural show is an exposition in Assam dedicated to innovation and inspiration in Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture and allied sectors. The 4th edition of the expo has kicked off at Khanapara Veterinary playground on 6th January last. Inaugurating the exhibition, chief minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Without agriculture our culture is incomplete and we cannot celebrate Bhogali Bihu, Rongali Bihu or Kati Bihu without agriculture. Agricultural land not only provides us the crop but also a strong foundation to earn our livelihood. We cannot build our lifestyle without agriculture and cannot move in our life. The farmers express their feelings, hopes and aspirations through songs and the artists have beautifully articulated their belief and opinion through the medium of songs. We live in a place filled with scenic beauty and the society that exists today is only because of the knowledge that we have gained through our forefathers who have told us about the importance of agriculture.” Sonowal said that it is through scientific methods that production has to be increased. “In this competitive era, the farmers have to take the resolution that through
the medium of scientific cultivation they will increase production and improve their economic condition. We will also launch different schemes for farmers to provide scientific facilities so that they can improve the economic condition,” said Sonowal. The chief minister said that the state government has provided Rs. 1,30,00,000 under the Chief Minister Gram Vikash Yojana according to the capability of cultivation. In 25,000 villages the scheme will be applied and in five years a profit of Rs 30 crores will be earned. Each village will be examined for the type of cultivation which could be done for various types of production. “We want to grow without destroying our ecology, environment and natural beauty and this is the prime objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which should be applicable for the state of Assam as well,” Sonowal said. The Expo proposes to have a Horticulture and Agriculture exhibition, seminars, network gatherings, flower parade, farmer meets and other high profile events. Sonowal said that the farmers should use scientific methods for cultivation and increase production in a way that they could stock their products for two years and avoid having to suffer during the monsoons.
It is due to the flood during the monsoon that many hectares of cultivated land are washed away inflicting heavy losses on the farmers. State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said, “For the economic development of the farmers three tips are necessary- farmer, market and government. Business to business, business to government and business to farmer are the three ways to improve the economic condition of the farmers.
Assam International Agri Horti Show is one of the major annual B2B-cum-B2C events in Assam that would bring together the best and the latest in the agriculture and horticulture sector. AIAHS, as a show, has not just proven to be a great marketing activity for the participating companies it has also helped them achieve astronomical sales figures during all days of the show. Over the years, the show has witnessed participation of most of the leading brands available in the country. The show, initiated in the year 1995, however, went “International” for the first time in 2014 and has seen participation of 15 countries and more than 80 international delegates in 2014 and 13 countries in 2015. The show would comprise events on Seeds, Agrochemicals, Irrigation, organic production, Cold Chain, Dairy, Fishery, Livestock & Poultry, Floriculture, processing and packaging, food retailing. The main objective of the exhibition is to reach out to lakhs of farmers from Assam and adjoining states, get connected with the policymakers, bureaucrats, industry captains, eminent scientists etc., collaborate with future channel partners, manufacturers, distributors, dealers etc. and to showcase grass root level inno-
• 4th International Agri-Horti show kicks off at Khanapara veterinary playground • The exhibition, commencing on 6th January, will continue till 9th January • The exhibition is showcasing various organic flowers, vegetables, local foods of Assam etc. • The objective of the exhibition is to reach out to lakhs of farmers as also adjoining states to provide them ideas of improving cultivation through scientific methods
vators. It is an opportunity to launch products at exhibition. One of the florists who participated in the show said that Assam has rich potential for planting of flowers but the people do take proper care and it is due to the lack of treatment that flowers have to be brought from outside. “People plant the trees and flowers but they do not take care of it. The climate and soil is suitable for cultivation in Assam but it is due to the negligence that people have to import things from outside,” the florist said. juthika.baruah@g-plus.in