AGARTALA, December 01 (TIWN): The northeast hill states have retained traditional practices and show an inclination towards organic agriculture that can be harnessed for the development of the region with ecological benefits, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing in the inaugural ceremony of the second unit of the 363.3-MW capacity gas-based combine cycle power project at Palatana in south Tripura, here today.

PM further mentioned that the cultivation of fruits crops in a systematic manner is, however, still neglected in India probably because horticultural plantations are capital-intensive and their gestation period is quite long. The seasonality of production and perishability of the produce are characteristics features of horticultural crops. The soil and climate of Northeast are most suitable for growing of crops and fruits.

It is to be mentioned here that in his budget speech, Jaitley noted that northeastern region of India has tremendous potential for development of organic farming, which can enable local people reap a rich harvest by developing commercial organic farming, and proposed Rs.100 crore for the purpose.

The finance minister noted that the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at Pusa has been at the forefront of research but since Independence, only one such centre has been established and announced two more such institutions of excellence will be be set up at in Assam and Jharkhand.

Sikkim is the only State in North East India which is 100% organic and  all types of chemical fertilizers are officially banned.