Itanagar, Apr 16: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik met Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss strengthening key sectors for the State’s development.
During the meeting, both leaders focused on enhancing sports infrastructure and promoting agro-horticulture to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth by empowering youth and leveraging the State’s agricultural strengths.
Highlighting the vast potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth in sports, the Governor emphasized the need for modern and accessible facilities to nurture talent. He requested the Minister’s support for the development of a dedicated football stadium in the State capital, along with an Integrated Sports Complex and State Sports Academies in the western and eastern regions of the State. He also underscored the importance of developing sports infrastructure in higher educational institutions to promote participation and competitive exposure among young athletes.
On the agro-horticulture front, the Governor pointed to the State’s growing prominence in kiwi cultivation, describing it as a unique strength. He sought early approval of the proposal ‘Kiwi as USP in Arunachal Pradesh’ under the North Eastern Council (NEC), aimed at boosting production, value addition, and market linkages.
Additionally, he advocated for setting up an Integrated Pack House with solar-based cold storage facilities at the Shergaon Horticulture Farm in West Kameng district. He noted that such infrastructure would improve post-harvest management, reduce losses, and enhance farmers’ incomes.
The meeting highlighted the State’s focus on strengthening youth development and agricultural infrastructure as key pillars of long-term growth.