Krishak Mela in Assam’s Boko links farmers to markets, promotes agri-exports and digital inclusion

A two-day Krishak Mela (Farmers’ Fair) in Assam’s Boko brought together cultivators, scientists, exporters and policymakers under one roof, highlighting the growing emphasis on digital inclusion, crop diversification and export-oriented farming.

The event, organised at Silarai Bhawan by the Kamrup District Agriculture Department and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), with support from the Boko Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office, served as a comprehensive platform for buyer-seller meets, farmer-scientist interactions, crop exhibitions and skill-based training programmes.

The inaugural session was attended by Kamrup District Agriculture Officer Manab Jyoti Das, Director of the State Institute of Agricultural Management and Extension Training Rajib Kumar Bhuyan, and Boko-Chaygaon Co-District Officer Priyanshu Bharadwaj, among other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Agriculture Officer Das underlined the Centre and State governments’ focus on ensuring remunerative returns to farmers by directly linking agricultural produce to markets under the motto “Our Fields, Our Markets.” He emphasised that farmer registration under the ongoing digitalisation drive would be critical for accessing government schemes and future benefits. Das also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which provides financial compensation in the event of crop loss.

Director Rajib Kumar Bhuyan elaborated on ATMA’s role in promoting modern agricultural practices across sectors including sericulture, horticulture, fisheries and livestock. Through training modules, demonstrations, farmer field schools and agricultural fairs, ATMA aims to enhance productivity and income. He particularly encouraged women farmers to explore mushroom cultivation, citing its strong global demand and profitability.

Recognising excellence at the grassroots, the Krishak Sanman Bota (Farmer’s Honour Award) was conferred on outstanding farmers across seven sectors under the Boko Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office. Awardees included Jeuti Boro, Jayanta Rabha, Jagadish Thakuria, Jintu Haloi, Abhaya Haloi, Md. Shahid Ali, Akker Ali, Nipon Basumatary, Benudhar Das, Shivprasad Das, Aichan Howardz Changma, Dipali Kalita, Bharati Boro, Manbahadur Thapa and Prasenjit Boro.

An agricultural exhibition held alongside the fair showcased region-specific produce and tools. Boko Agriculture Officer Gautam Roy Choudhury informed that crops such as chili, banana, ginger, pineapple, turmeric and aromatic rice from the Boko region have been identified for export. Ginger, turmeric, chili and rice are slated for export until June-July, while pineapple, orange, banana, jackfruit and lemon will follow in the subsequent season.

The concluding day featured interactive sessions between agricultural scientists and farmers, focusing on improved cultivation techniques for betel nut, coconut, lemon, banana and ginger. Experts also demonstrated innovative vegetable farming methods using bamboo-based greenhouse structures, reflecting Assam’s push towards climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

The session was attended by Director of Horticulture and Food Processing Department Nripen Chandra Das, Senior Agricultural Scientist Dr. Sonmoni Bhuyan, Horticulture Scientist Dr. Anjan Bora, former Boko MLA Jyotiprasad Das, and Block Development Officer Rajib Das, among others.

The fair featured 29 stalls displaying agricultural tools, inputs and farm products, further strengthening market access for local cultivators.

The Krishak Mela underscored the government’s broader strategy to transform agriculture in Assam through technology adoption, export promotion and institutional support, while placing farmers at the centre of the value chain.