Assam Government and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Sign MoU to strengthen Agricultural Transformation and Rural Livelihoods in Assam : “We must focus on research and the use of new technologies to move forward in the agricultural sector”: Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika
Dalim Phukan.
Hills Live News, Guwahati, October 7 : With the objective of strengthening cooperation in agricultural transformation, climate resilience and rural livelihoods in the State, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Government of Assam and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Dispur, in the presence of Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika and Chief Secretary of Assam Dr. Ravi Kota.
The MoU will promote joint research and the generation of evidence-based knowledge, capacity building of State institutions, and policy engagement and advisory support. The collaboration will focus on improving farmers’ incomes and nutritional outcomes, with particular emphasis on climate-resilient agriculture and adaptation to floods, diversification of rice-based farming systems, and the development of tea, horticulture, livestock and fisheries. The MoU will provide a framework for collaboration in several areas, including strategic assessment of programmes in the agriculture and allied sectors; analysis of climate resilience and the impacts of floods; support to small tea growers; development of high-value agricultural value chains; and strengthening fisheries and waterbody-based livelihoods, particularly in flood-prone ecosystems.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony held at the Kaziranga Conference Hall in the Office of the Chief Secretary at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Assam Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Pijush Hazarika said that nearly 75 per cent of the people of the State are dependent on agriculture. He said that in a State like Assam, where the availability of agricultural land is limited, efforts must be made to increase production from limited land. Referring to the special emphasis being placed by the present State Government on horticulture, the Minister said that greater focus on horticulture would enable farmers to earn better returns. He also stressed the need to increase the use of research and new technologies among farmers for the development of agriculture. In his address, Minister Pijush Hazarika also welcomed the partnership between the Government of Assam and IFPRI and expressed hope that the collaboration would strengthen the State Government’s efforts to advance agricultural development through research, evidence generation and institutional capacity building. He further stated that, with the broader objective of improving the livelihoods and incomes of farmers, the collaboration would support the State Government’s focus on climate resilience, diversification, value chains and the development of agriculture and allied sectors.
Delivering the welcome address at the event, Chief Secretary of Assam Dr. Ravi Kota said that efforts must be made towards diversification in agriculture. Observing that farmers in eastern India require greater professional support in this area compared to other parts of the country, the Chief Secretary expressed hope that the State’s farmers would benefit from the expertise and experience of specialists from different fields through this partnership.
Speaking on the occasion on behalf of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), former Secretary to the Government of India T. Nandakumar said that Assam is currently at an important stage of agricultural transformation and that stronger evidence and analytical capacity can help in shaping policies and investments according to the needs of farmers and rural communities. He expressed hope that the partnership would bring IFPRI’s research and policy expertise to Assam and provide an opportunity to work closely with the Government on key priorities for the future of agriculture in the State.
The MoU also provides for joint resource mobilisation and the development of project proposals in alignment with the priorities of both parties. Specific activities will be taken forward through project-specific agreements. Through this partnership, the development priorities of the Government of Assam will be aligned with IFPRI’s global expertise in agricultural and food policy research, analysis and policymaking. The partnership will provide a strong platform to strengthen evidence-based approaches to agricultural development in Assam and support the State’s efforts towards building a more resilient, diversified and market-oriented agricultural economy.
Commissioner of Agriculture Department Aruna Rajoria, along with other officials, and IFPRI’s Acting Director for South Asia Dr. Avinash Kishore and other representatives were also present at the event.