Dhubri – In a significant stride towards modernising agricultural practices and bolstering farmer incomes, the Dhubri District Agriculture Office today commenced its inaugural farmer training program on protected cultivation using low-cost poly houses. The initiative, held under the aegis of the Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), marks a new chapter for the region’s agricultural landscape.
The session, conducted at the Knowledge Centre in Raniganj ADO Circle, Bilasipara Sub-Division, provided local farmers with an introduction to sustainable and controlled-environment farming techniques. This innovative approach aims to significantly boost productivity and enable cultivation throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal limitations.
Polyhouse farming presents a compelling alternative to traditional methods, offering crucial advantages such as robust protection against adverse weather conditions and pervasive pests. Furthermore, it facilitates shorter crop cycles and promises substantially higher yields. These benefits collectively empower farmers to cultivate high-value, off-season vegetables, which invariably fetch better prices in the market.
The program was formally inaugurated by Shri Nripen Ch. Das, the esteemed Director of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam. He was accompanied by Shri Kumud Haloi, Assistant Director of Agriculture, and Shri Nipom Jyoti Dutta, Agricultural Development Officer from Khanapara, who spearheaded the technical training component of the workshop.
Drawing upon his specialised training acquired in Israel, Shri Dutta meticulously elucidated the intricacies of designing, setting up, and maintaining low-cost poly houses. He also provided expert guidance on optimal crop selection and strategic approaches for maximising returns. His insights particularly highlighted how even small-scale farmers could readily adopt these techniques with a modest initial investment and still realise tangible and measurable benefits.
District Agricultural Officer Shri Azim Ahmed earnestly appealed to the participating farmers to fully leverage the government-supplied inputs, including essential items like shed nets, UV films, and mulching materials, all of which are distributed under the HMNEH scheme.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a host of senior officials, including Shri Mrinal Kanti Kachary, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Dhubri; Shri Amzad Hussain, Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer, Bilasipara; and several Agricultural Development Officers. Farmers attending the training were also assured access to high-value saplings, such as tomato and capsicum, should they opt to embark on protected cultivation.
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