Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika attended the 79th Foundation Day celebrations of the College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, as chief guest and urged agriculture students to look beyond conventional government employment. Addressing students, Hazarika said the government sector cannot provide jobs to all agriculture graduates and encouraged young people to become successful farmers and agri-preneurs, particularly in horticulture, which he said could offer greater earning potential. He also stressed the need to change the perception that farming is meant only for the economically disadvantaged. The minister announced plans to hold agricultural workshops at 50 colleges across Assam and said an MoU between the Education and Agriculture departments would support the initiative. He further revealed that five crore high-value fruit saplings would be distributed across the state and urged AAU to actively support farmers. Hazarika also encouraged students to promote makhana cultivation as a potential way to increase farm incomes. Reaffirming the government’s goal of transforming Assam into a leading agricultural state, he highlighted ongoing efforts to support flood-affected districts. During his visit, the minister inspected AAU’s research and demonstration projects, including high-yielding paddy, climate-resilient farming, paddy-cum-fish cultivation and agro-meteorological initiatives.
Hazarika Highlights Youth, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture
