Assam CS reviews pineapple cultivation and tea labour rehabilitation projects in Cachar
Silchar: In a determined push to unlock the agricultural potential of Cachar and accelerate rehabilitation efforts for tea garden labourers, Chief Secretary of Assam, Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, concluded a pivotal four-day visit to the Barak Valley on Monday, engaging with farmers, officials, and community leaders on the ground. Dr. Kota began his visit at the sprawling pineapple plantations of Markhawlein, Lakhipur, where he observed cultivation practices first-hand, interacted with growers, and reviewed the opportunities and challenges of pineapple farming in the region. Emphasizing the need for value addition and stronger marketing channels to enhance farmers’ incomes, he encouraged stakeholders to aim for consistent, high-quality production even beyond the peak season. At the Hmar Agro Organic Producer Company Ltd. office, he met with the Board of Directors and members of the Farmer Producer Company, urging them to work collaboratively with the district administration and reputed companies to set up a processing unit by aggregating produce from Cachar, adjoining districts, and neighboring states. The review was held in the presence of Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS, along with Dr. A R Ahmed, District Agriculture Officer; Shri Lakhyajyoti Gogoi, ACS, Assistant Commissioner; Dr. R Chakraborty and Dr. N C Das, Senior Agriculture Officers, among others. Chairman of the Hmar Organic Producer Company, Lalpienglawm Hmar, CEO Makhanlal Dusad, several Board members, and representatives of the Hmar Supreme House and Hmar Students’ Association actively participated and shared their insights on the prospects of agro-based industries. Later, Dr. Kota visited Lalbagh near the proposed Doloo Greenfield Airport site to inspect the construction of 173 houses earmarked for the rehabilitation of tea garden labourers. He reviewed the progress of the initiative, which is spearheaded by the Assam Government and Cachar District Administration, enquiring about electrification, water supply, and other essential amenities that would ensure a dignified standard of living for the beneficiaries. District officials, including Shri Mridul Yadav, IAS, Dr. Khaleda Sultana Ahmed, ADC, and Assistant Commissioner Lakshyajeet Gogoi, accompanied him during the inspection. Before departing for the airport at the conclusion of his Barak Valley tour, Dr. Kota lauded the district administration and the farming community for their dedication and forward-thinking approach. “Cachar holds tremendous potential for high-quality pineapple production and agro-based enterprises. The collaborative spirit I witnessed today between farmers, the FPC, and the administration is truly inspiring. Beyond the main harvest, we must explore opportunities for second-season production and value-added processing to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Equally, the rehabilitation of tea garden labourers reflects our commitment to inclusive development, and I am pleased with the steady progress there as well,” he stated. The Chief Secretary’s visit reaffirmed the Assam Government’s unwavering resolve to strengthen agriculture, promote value-added industries, and uplift marginalized communities anchoring its vision for a progressive, prosperous, and inclusive Barak Valley.
