Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora on Thursday said the fifth edition of Agri-Horticulture Show, 2018, starting Friday will play an important role in the agriculture sector of the State.
State Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates the event at Chowkidinghee playground in eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh district on Friday.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is expected to attend the concluding day of the event on January 8.
Atul Bora was addressing the media on the eve of the show in Dibrugarh which is hosting the show for the first time. Last time it was held in Guwahati.
“The Assam International Agri-Horti show is the exposition in Assam for innovation and inspiration in agriculture, horticulture, food processing, floriculture and allied sectors. The expo proposes to have a horde and agri exhibition, seminars, network gatherings, flowers parade, farmer meets and other high profile events,” Atul Bora said. He also said many foreign countries will take part in the event.
“It will be a great platform for the farmers to know about many things in farming technology,” he said. He added Assam has been lagging behind in agriculture sector but this event will help the Assam farmers to know many things and boost up the farming.
The show has been organized by the State Department of Agriculture and Horticulture and Food Processing Department in association with the Assam Agricultural University, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
“More than 200 stalls from different parts of the country are participating in the event. The event will give an exposure to our local farmers to know more about farming technology. Discussion programme will be held everyday during the event which will immensely help the local farmers. Our main objective of the event is to boost our business and help our farmers,” Bora added.
He also said countries like Thailand, Nepal, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Italy, Sweden, Bhutan, Myanmar and the Netherlands are participating in the show.
More than 200 organizations from the State as well as different parts of the country are also participating in the exhibition where different agricultural produce and related products will be showcased in 270 stalls.
“In upper Assam the people are less engaged in farming compared to lower Assam and this event will boost them to do farming. We will organize farmers training in the event which will clear the doubt of the farmers on various schemes. The show will feature special green houses and landscaping technology. There will also be competitions on agri-horti products, floral parade and a traditional cultural show. Another important aspect will be a buyer-seller meet between government/private sellers and national and international buyers,” the Agriculture Minister said.