Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the state government is planning to convert 20,000 hectares of land into organic farming over the next four years, which would encompass 15 districts and 150 clusters.

Sarma urged that the Agriculture Department to host gaon sabhas in collaboration with the Panchayat and Rural Development Departments in order to meet with the farmers in rural regions and inform them about the government's programmes and policies for agriculture and its related industries. Sarma stated that the goan sabhas will serve as a forum for information sharing with the forward-thinking and potential farmers when opening the 7th Assam international Agri-Horti Show at Khanapara. He said that both the federal and state governments had implemented a number of programmes to advance agriculture and related industries.

Agri-horticulture industries are also experiencing a number of advances. Many of these innovations, nevertheless, do not always benefit the farmers for whom they are designed. The village-level engagement initiative will increase awareness and close the knowledge gap between farmers and agricultural technologies.

According to the Chief Minister, the three-day exhibition would go a long way toward expanding opportunities for fruitful collaboration and maximising the export potential of Assam's agri-horti goods. This will help the state realise its potential in the agri-horti sector. He said that Assam produces several rare agricultural and horticultural goods.

These include joha rice, black rice, red rice, and other varieties that have exceptional therapeutic qualities. Sarma mentioned the enormous demand for the ginger produced in Karbi Anglong and the litchi produced in Tezpur outside of the state and the nation. He said that Assam lemons, which are prized for their abundant juice content and distinctive aroma, have great potential for export and may pay farmers well.

According to CM Sarma, Assam has seen a fair amount of agri-horticultural products shipped to both nearby and far-off locations during the past few years. Agriculture-related goods are now exported to nations such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Bangladesh, Bhutan, UAE, and others. 14.042.35 MT of agri-horticultural produce was exported to various nations in 2020–21.

It has had extraordinary growth during 2022–23, and from April to July, only four months, 8,041.28 MT of Agri–horticultural goods were exported. The Chief Minister added that the government has issued an export and logistics policy in 2019 in order to enhance the state's export potential.   Sarma continues, "Agro and allied goods, food processing, floriculture, organic farming, bamboo products, ornamental fishes and pisciculture, as well as medicinal and aromatic items, are some of the focus areas of this programme.

The Chief Minister further stated that Natural Farming is currently receiving more attention from the State. The State would make use of the limited usage of pesticides in farming as a natural advantage. This scheme, which would span 15 districts and 150 clusters, it is envisaged to cover 20,000 hectares with natural farming during the next four years. For the expansion and development of natural farming, the identification of clusters in five districts as well as the progressive farmers who will serve as Master Trainers has already been made.

The Chief Minister added that on December 18th, a buyer-seller interaction is being held as a part of this expo and would include Agri-Horti goods from the state. According to him, the interaction would give the international delegates a forum where they could express their needs for Assam's agri-horticultural products in terms of quality.