The second day of the National Level Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Workshop on Sustainable Oil Palm Cultivation took place on Tuesday in Guwahati. This two-day event was organized by the Agriculture Department of Assam in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India.
Inaugural Remarks
State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s inspiring vision for the development of North-East India. He emphasized the region’s potential as a key area for national growth and progress.
Focus on the Agriculture Sector
Minister Bora addressed the challenges faced by the North-East, particularly Assam, in the agriculture sector. He mentioned the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) as a transformative initiative aimed at empowering farmers and promoting self-reliance in oil production for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also noted the commitment of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in prioritizing oil palm plantations to enhance Assam’s self-sufficiency in edible oil production.
Support for Oil Palm Cultivation
Minister Bora stated that with adequate support and infrastructure, oil palm cultivation could become a flourishing industry in the region.
Opening Remarks
The workshop began with a welcome speech by Aruna Rajoria, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, Agriculture Department. She expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its initiatives aimed at achieving self-reliance in oil palm cultivation.
Discussions
The workshop featured distinguished guests, including:
- Directors of Agriculture from Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh
- Executive Officers of 3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd.
- Oil Palm Farmers from Andhra Pradesh and Goalpara
These guests discussed the successful cultivation of oil palm in their respective states.
Participation
The meeting was attended by:
- Bhaskar Pegu, Director of Agriculture
- High-level officials
- Business owners from various states
- Representatives from Thailand, Malaysia, and Nigeria
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the main focus of the workshop held in Guwahati?
- A) Sustainable Rice Farming
- B) Sustainable Oil Palm Cultivation
- C) Sustainable Tea Production
- D) Sustainable Horticulture
- Answer: B) Sustainable Oil Palm Cultivation
- Which government initiative is emphasized as a game-changer for the agriculture sector in the North-East?
- A) National Mission on Agriculture
- B) National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
- C) National Agricultural Policy
- D) Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative
- Answer: B) National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
- Who delivered the welcome speech at the workshop?
- A) Atul Bora
- B) Bhaskar Pegu
- C) Aruna Rajoria
- D) Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Answer: C) Aruna Rajoria
- Which states’ Directors of Agriculture participated in the discussions?
- A) Assam and Manipur
- B) Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh
- C) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- D) Punjab and Haryana
- Answer: B) Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh
- Which countries were represented at the workshop?
- A) USA, Canada, and Mexico
- B) Thailand, Malaysia, and Nigeria
- C) Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
- D) Brazil, Argentina, and Chile
- Answer: B) Thailand, Malaysia, and Nigeria