Itanagar, Oct 6: A team from the Directorate of Agriculture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, led by its Director TD Neckom, along with Joint Director Margi Ete, and Entomologist Techi Taura visited Lhaulang, one of the vibrant border villages in Shi-Yomi district, to review the implementation of various Central and State agricultural schemes at the grassroots level. The visit was coordinated by Norbu Tsering Naksang, SDAO-cum-ADC (In-charge), Mechukha.
During the interaction, local representatives including Dala Naksang (GPC), PD Chuckla (GB), and Lumi Naksang, Team Leader of Pompala Ama SHG, shared that no assistance had been received under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) from the Agriculture Department so far. They requested timely supply of quality seeds suited to the Menchuka agro-climatic conditions, along with farm mechanization equipment and storage facilities.
Responding to the farmers’ concerns, Margi Ete highlighted the favourable agro-climatic potential of Menchuka for diverse farming activities, supported by improving road and air connectivity.
Agriculture Director TD Neckom emphasized the need to revive Menchuka’s past reputation as the state’s leading finger millet-producing area, noting the growing national demand for millets as a superfood. He encouraged farmers to focus on off-season crop production, local seed multiplication (especially potatoes), and supplying fresh produce to the tourism and defence sectors stationed in border areas.
The visiting team also explored the techno-economic feasibility of introducing Buchthorn berry cultivation as a high-altitude crop and discussed the Agriculture Department’s plans to launch a new mission for cash crops such as oil palm in suitable foothill regions.