The Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister launched several key initiatives to strengthen Assam’s agriculture and rural sectors.

Key Announcements

• Approval of ₹1,819 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) to build 1,522 km of rural roads and 62 bridges.
  
• Launch of mobile applications ‘Krishi Sarathi’ (Agriculture Department) and ‘Rural One’ (Panchayat Department).
  
• Introduction of social audit module of the AWAS Plus app under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G).
  
• Signing of a tripartite MoU with PepsiCo and State Bank of India to support potato farmers under the Chief Minister’s Utkarsh Yojana.
  
• Release of ₹120 crore, including grants and community investment funds to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
  

Significance

• PMGSY enhances rural connectivity, improving market access for farmers.
  
• Strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations boosts collective bargaining power.
  
• Promotion of horticulture, drones and digital monitoring supports modern agriculture.
  
• Tea industry revival, with additional 40 million kilograms exported, strengthens Assam’s global presence.
  
• Land rights to tea garden workers promote social justice and rural stability.
  

These measures align with the goal of doubling farmers’ income and promoting self-reliant rural growth.

Exam Hook: 

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to rural areas.
   
2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
   
3. It focuses only on urban infrastructure development.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap: The new initiatives mark a decisive step towards digitally empowered, well-connected and farmer-centric rural development in Assam.

SOURCE