Assam: PM Modi launches agro-marine processing scheme SAMPADA

Gogamukh (Assam): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched agro-marine processing scheme SAMPADA to promote food processing and create job opportunities for the youth.

"There are immense possibilities for agro product valuation and the Rs 6,000 crore SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro- Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing) will go a long way in developing food processing industry and creating employment opportunities for the youth," he said after laying the foundation stone of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute here in Dhemaji district.

Kickstarting the celebration of three years of his government, Modi said, "Initially there will be an investment of Rs 6,000 crore and later we will go in for public-private partnership which will include foreign direct investment." He added: "At the completion of three years of the NDA government, I have decided to make this announcement for the agriculture sector as there are much possibilities, particularly for the youth of the country." The prime minister highlighted that finished products like juice and pickles add more value to raw materials produced by farmers and at the same time create employment and export opportunities.

Urging the youth of the North-East to take advantage of the scheme, the prime minister said, "The North-East will be the new engine for a new India and the term NE will mean new economy, new energy and new empowerment." He spoke of new possibilities of not only connecting the North-East with the rest of the country but to ensure it emerges as a hub of new economy. This will be achieved by following the 'panch path' (five paths), with focus on infrastructure development such as highways, railways, waterways, airways and I(information)-way, Modi added.