Assam’s Big Plan for Farmers: 10 Lakh Soil Health Cards
Introduction
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a major initiative to support farmers by distributing 10 lakh Soil Health Cards (SHC) this year. The announcement was made at a special event in Guwahati.
Key Initiatives
CM Sarma launched the distribution of SHCs and farm machinery, and inaugurated agriculture knowledge centers. He emphasized the importance of empowering farmers and mentioned that 4 lakh SHCs are already prepared.
Support for Farmers
The state has increased soil testing labs from 5 to 22 and plans to set up 816 village-level farm machinery banks with 95% subsidy from the central government. Additionally, 96 agriculture knowledge banks and 93 Agricultural Development Officer offices will be established.
Financial Assistance
To ease the financial burden on farmers, the government will provide subsidies for transporting paddy to procurement centers. This aims to reduce costs for farmers.
Bio-fuel Production
The state is collaborating with OIL India Limited and Reliance to produce bio-fuel, increasing the demand for maize and wheat.
Gratitude and Future Plans
CM Sarma thanked Agriculture Minister Atul Bora and the farmers for their contributions to the state’s self-reliance goals. Agriculture Minister Atul Bora highlighted the distribution of tractors, reapers, and SHCs to boost productivity.
Conclusion
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including State Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and Chairman Assam Seed Corporation Prabin Hazarika.
Doubts Revealed
Assam -: Assam is a state in northeastern India, known for its rich culture, tea gardens, and wildlife. It is one of the seven sister states in that region.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state. Himanta Biswa Sarma is the current Chief Minister of Assam.
Soil Health Cards -: Soil Health Cards are documents given to farmers that provide information about the quality and health of their soil. This helps farmers understand what nutrients their soil needs to grow better crops.
Guwahati -: Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and is often considered the gateway to the northeastern states of India. It is an important cultural and commercial center.
Farm machinery banks -: Farm machinery banks are places where farmers can borrow or rent farming equipment. This helps farmers who cannot afford to buy expensive machinery on their own.
Central subsidies -: Central subsidies are financial aids provided by the central government of India to help reduce the cost of certain goods or services, making them more affordable for people.
Bio-fuel -: Bio-fuel is a type of energy made from plants or other organic materials. It is considered more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels like petrol and diesel.
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora -: Atul Bora is the Agriculture Minister of Assam, responsible for overseeing agricultural policies and initiatives in the state.