Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviews key schemes with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma; focus on organic exports, tea garden communities, women’s enterprises and agricultural infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• Centre assures uninterrupted funding for agriculture and rural development in Assam.
• Special PMAY-G survey window to cover tea garden workers receiving land ownership rights.
• Over 9 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ created in Assam, surpassing targets.
• New push for organic product exports through APEDA partnerships.
• 1,500 bamboo polyhouses approved to strengthen protected cultivation.
• New pesticide and edible oil testing laboratories sanctioned.
• Agricultural mechanisation and women farmer support programmes expanded.
• Floriculture and spice research initiatives to be strengthened.

Centre Backs Assam’s Agriculture Growth Strategy with Focus on Rural Livelihoods, Organic Exports and Women’s Enterprises

New Delhi, June 2: The Central Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Assam’s agriculture and rural economy, unveiling a series of initiatives that could enhance the state’s position as a hub for organic farming, agri-business, rural entrepreneurship and agri-tourism.

During a high-level meeting in New Delhi, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed the progress of key central schemes and discussed future strategies for agricultural development, rural infrastructure and livelihood generation.

The Union Minister assured the state government that there would be no shortage of funds for agriculture and rural development programmes. Support under schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and rural livelihood initiatives will continue to be strengthened.

A notable decision emerging from the meeting was the Centre’s commitment to support Assam’s landmark initiative of granting land ownership rights to tea garden workers. A special survey window will be opened to digitally record eligible beneficiaries, enabling them to access housing benefits under PMAY-G.

The Centre also handed over a customised Agriculture Action Plan for Assam, developed according to the state’s unique climatic conditions, soil profile and agricultural requirements.

Officials highlighted Assam’s strong progress in women’s economic empowerment, with the state creating more than nine lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’, surpassing government targets. Further support will be provided through collaborations with incubators at Assam Agricultural University to help women-led enterprises scale their operations.

The meeting also reviewed investments under agricultural mechanisation programmes and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Special efforts are being undertaken to provide power weeders and modern agricultural equipment to women farmers, while the expansion of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm was also discussed.

To strengthen farm productivity and climate-resilient agriculture, the Centre has approved 1,500 bamboo polyhouses across Assam. Additionally, new infrastructure projects including a Pesticide Testing Laboratory and an Edible Oil Testing Laboratory have received approval under RKVY.

One of the most significant developments for the state’s agricultural economy is the government’s effort to strengthen export opportunities for Assam’s organic produce. Partnerships with APEDA and the National Organic Cooperative Limited are being established to provide marketing support, export facilitation and value-chain development for farmers.

The meeting further explored opportunities to promote Assam’s rich biodiversity through research and innovation. Existing centres under Assam Agricultural University are set to receive additional support, while specialised programmes focusing on spices and the state’s iconic Foxtail Orchid will be expanded in collaboration with national research institutions.

Digitisation of land records and the resolution of pending issues related to Krishi Vigyan Kendra employees were also reviewed during the discussions.

What It Means for Hospitality, Food & Tourism

The initiatives announced for Assam could have far-reaching implications for hospitality, food and tourism businesses operating in Northeast India.

The government’s push towards organic farming, export-oriented agriculture and quality-testing infrastructure is expected to improve the availability of premium agricultural products that can be integrated into hotel, restaurant and culinary tourism offerings.

Support for tea garden workers and rural livelihood programmes may also strengthen community-based tourism models across Assam’s tea estates, which are increasingly attracting domestic and international travellers seeking immersive experiences.

The expansion of floriculture, spices and organic agriculture aligns with growing demand from luxury hospitality brands for locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chains.

Additionally, stronger women-led enterprises and rural entrepreneurship ecosystems could create new opportunities for food processing, handicrafts, homestays and experiential tourism ventures throughout the state.

As Assam continues to position itself as a gateway to Northeast India, investments in agriculture and rural development are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting tourism growth, food innovation and rural economic resilience.

Source: PIB | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare & Ministry of Rural Development | June 2, 2026

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