Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika Reviews Developmental Activities in West Karbi Anglong :Inspects Irrigation Scheme, Launches Olive Cultivation Pilot Project, Visits Progressive Farmer’s Farm and Inaugurates Key Infrastructure in Hamren.
Dalim Phukan.
Hills Live News, Guwahati, October 13: Guardian Minister of West Karbi Anglong and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Pijush Hazarika, today undertook a series of programmes in the district, focusing on strengthening irrigation infrastructure, promoting agricultural diversification, accelerating developmental works and improving public facilities.
During his visit, the Minister inspected the Kollonga Flow Irrigation Scheme (FIS) under Rongkhang LAC in West Karbi Anglong. The scheme currently irrigates around 100 hectares of agricultural land, with the potential to cover approximately 1,800 hectares. Recognising this potential, Shri Hazarika directed the Chief Engineer to prepare a proposal for an expanded scheme to improve irrigation coverage and benefit more farmers.
The Minister also planted the first olive sapling at Sarogaon, marking the launch of a pilot project to explore olive cultivation in Assam. Around 16,000 olive saplings brought from Rajasthan are being introduced under an initiative of the Department of Agriculture, KAAC, Diphu, under NMEO-OS 2025–26, in collaboration with the Horticulture Research Station, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Kahikuchi. The project aims to assess the suitability of olive cultivation under the region’s agro-climatic conditions and explore new avenues for enhancing farmers’ income.
Shri Hazarika subsequently visited the 100-bigha farm of progressive farmer Bimal Singh Bey at Chengbiri. The farm features diversified cultivation of areca nut, rubber, papaya, oil palm, banana, dragon fruit, pineapple, medicinal plants and chilli, among other crops. Shri Bey currently earns over ₹3 lakh per month from his farming activities and expects to increase his monthly income to at least ₹10 lakh within the next three to five years. Appreciating his efforts, the Minister assured him of all possible departmental support.
In Hamren, the Minister inaugurated the Soi Ali-to-Circuit House road and the SBI ATM-to-Harlongjuve road, constructed under the Construction and Improvement of Hamren Town initiative. He also inaugurated a newly constructed Guest House-cum-Conference Hall and laid the foundation stone for a new Circuit House.
Later, Shri Hazarika chaired a review meeting with the Heads of Departments (HoDs) of West Karbi Anglong at the newly inaugurated Guest House-cum-Conference Hall. He reviewed the progress of ongoing development works and discussed priorities across sectors. He directed the concerned officials to expedite road construction works and ensure the timely completion of projects. He also urged the Irrigation Department to fully utilise the district’s irrigation potential to maximise benefits for farmers.
Emphasising the immense potential of agriculture and allied sectors in the hill district, Shri Hazarika stressed the importance of multi-cropping, crop diversification and the expansion of oil palm, agar and other suitable high-value crops to enhance farmers’ incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Minister further directed all departments to work in a coordinated and result-oriented manner, prioritise the needs of the people and ensure that government schemes and benefits reach every eligible and deserving citizen. He emphasised the need to harness the district’s agricultural potential alongside infrastructure development and effective implementation of welfare schemes to accelerate overall development and improve livelihoods.
The programmes were attended by CEM, KAAC, Tuliram Ronghang; Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr. Habbey Teron; other MLAs and Executive Members (EMs); departmental officials and other dignitaries.