Agriculture Minister Shri C. Lalrinsanga today graced a function ‘Awareness for Doubling Farmers’ Income & Input Distribution Programme’ organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Selesih for farmers of Aizawl District at its campus in Selesih, Aizawl. On the occasion, the Minister also distributed Litchi seedlings and quality tomato and cabbage seeds and handed manual farm machinery equipments such as dibbler, weeders, etc to the farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Shri C. Lalrinsanga pointed that KVKs have been a blessing for the country, particularly for the farmers in guiding them through scientific and modern methods of cultivation and introduction of technology. He added that farmers in Mizoram have also hugely benefitted through the work of the KVKs in increasing their production. He said that the Prime Minister’s vision for doubling of farmers’ income which has materialised in the Scheme is a noble idea that aims to improve and uplift the farmers across the country. He appreciated the support that the Government of Mizoram received from the agricultural scientists’ community in combating the menace of the Fall Army Worm infestation in the state, and thanked them for their cooperation.

The Minister stated that the success of government schemes like these depend very much on the beneficiaries and they must realise that their efforts determine the success and failure of government schemes and programmes  and hence must work whole heartedly. He called upon farmers in that state to think of more ways in which they can increase their production and bring about self sufficiency in crops and to seek the expertise of KVKs in this regard. He also highlighted the importance of patenting local varieties of crops and the importance of safeguarding germplasm.

 KVK Selesih Head, Dr. K.P. Chaudhury, Dean incharge, College of Horticulture Prof. Dr. H. Prasad and Dean incharge College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, CAU, Selesih Prof. Dr. Fazl Ali Ahmed spoke on their institutions’ role in strengthening the agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors in the state.

Around 100 farmers from the nearby localities of Durtlang, Selesih, Muthi, Nasel and Sihphir attended today’s programme.