Port Blair, June 20: The country has witnessed discernable progress in every sphere, during the last four years and will witness more developments in another four to five years, as the seeds of development have been sown by the Government, said the Minister of State for External Affairs, Govt. of India, Shri M. J. Akbar while addressing the Heads of various Departments of ICAR-CIARI, senior scientists and farmers from different parts of the Islands at Dr. N.T. Singh Library Hall, ICAR-CIARI, Garacharma here this afternoon. The Minister arrived here on a two day visit to the A&N Islands today.
Highlighting the various welfare schemes of the Government, the Minister remarked that the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘doubling the farmer’s income by 2022’, is aimed at uplifting the farmers, who are the backbone of the country’s economy. He said, the country cannot progress unless and until the problems of the poor are addressed, adding that the Prime Minister’s concern for the farmers of our country speaks volume of his commitment towards ensuring a conducive environment for the farming community and their family, so that every strata of the society is able to enjoy the fruits of development.
Enumerating the various schemes launched by the Government viz. PMJDY, PMBY, MUDRA scheme, Health Insurance schemes etc., the Minister remarked that the Govt. is committed towards the welfare of the citizens. The Minister also highlighted about various self employment schemes and opportunities available for women and urged them to come forward and embrace these schemes.
The Minister, while reviewing the working of KVKs under CIARI, remarked that every Department should maintain a calendar event along with the target date, so that the objectives and mission of the works/projects are achieved within the stipulated time. He also called upon the scientists and the Heads of the Departments of CIARI to reach out to the farmers and the rural populace and apprise them about various agricultural related schemes as well as other pro-people schemes which are being implemented by the Government for the welfare of the people.
Speaking about A&N Islands, the Minister remarked that A&N Islands holds significance for the country, and the Govt. is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring holistic development of the Islands. He said, the Govt.’s ‘Act East Policy’ is aimed at strengthening the international trade relation of India with other South East Asian countries. The A&N Islands holds a strategic importance since it is closer to many South East Asian countries and once the trade relation is established, products from the Islands will find their place in the international markets as well, said the Minister adding that more thrust is being given to infrastructural development in A&N Islands, so as to facilitate the trade relation with neighbouring countries.
The Head of KVK, South Andaman & Senior Scientist, Dr. Nagesh Ram and Head of KVK, N&M Andaman & Senior Scientist, Dr. B.L Kashinath through power point presentations highlighted the mission, vision, mandates and achievements of the KVKs of their respective jurisdictions.
Farmers from various parts of the Islands also raised issues related to land mutation, irrigation, marketing support, cold storage, transportation challenges, proper implementation of Agricultural schemes for farmers, availability of bio fertilizers and pesticides besides other agricultural related issues. The Minister patiently heard them and directed the concerned Heads to look into the matter and address their grievances.
In his welcome address, the Director, ICAR-CIARI, Dr. A. Kundu, through a power point presentation highlighted the inception of ICAR-CIARI, mission, vision, objectives, activities, milestone achievements and the way forward of CIARI.
Earlier, the Minister planted a sapling at Zero Point near the library. The Minister also visited the ‘Dweep Krishi Darpan’ at the Administrative building, during which he was briefed about the mission and mandates of ICAR- CIARI by the Director, ICAR-CIARI, Dr. A. Kundu and other senior scientists. Thereafter, the Minister also visited the Island Library which houses 135 books exclusively on A&N Islands.
Later, the Minister visited the Instructional Farm on IFS at KVK, Sippighat and planted a sapling in the campus. The Minister also went around the campus and enquired about the developmental activities of the KVK, especially for the farmers. Farmers from the South Andaman also highlighted various issues pertaining to availability of land, proper implementation of insurance schemes for farmers, marketing support etc. which were patiently heard by the Minister, who assured them of their redressal.
