Litem Eshi Ori
GANGTOK/SOUTH SIKKIM, Jun 18: A delegation from Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district participated in the first Indo-Nepal-Bhutan Agro-Tourism Festival 2026, held in South Sikkim from June 13 to 15.
The delegation, led by noted environmentalist and rural tourism advocate Kepang Nong Borang, included members of Lukne VO SHG of Silluk village and Yaku SHG of Aohali village.
The three-day festival brought together policymakers, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, farmers and community leaders from India, Nepal and Bhutan to promote agro-tourism, sustainable livelihoods and regional cooperation.
During the festival, the East Siang delegation showcased the success story of Silluk village, which has gained recognition for its community-driven waste management, conservation efforts and eco-tourism initiatives under the Swachh Silluk Abhiyan.
Addressing participants, Borang highlighted the role of collective community action, environmental conservation, women-led enterprises and responsible tourism in transforming Silluk into a model village for sustainable development.
Members of Lukne VO SHG and Yaku SHG actively participated in knowledge-sharing sessions, exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and discussions on rural entrepreneurship and agro-tourism. They also interacted with SHGs and tourism stakeholders from Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and other Indian states, exchanging ideas on homestay development, organic farming, handicrafts, local cuisine, and community-based tourism.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of an MoU between the Temi Namphing Assembly Constituency of Sikkim and Mebo Assembly Constituency of Arunachal Pradesh by MLAs Bedu Singh Panth and Oken Tayeng. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in agro-tourism, eco-tourism, organic agriculture, skill development, cultural exchange and women-led entrepreneurship through exposure visits and collaborative initiatives.
Welcoming the agreement, the East Siang delegation described it as a significant step towards strengthening ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim while creating new opportunities for rural communities and SHGs.
Speaking after the event, Borang said the exposure visit would help strengthen ongoing initiatives in East Siang, particularly in eco-tourism, organic farming, waste management, biodiversity conservation and women-led enterprises.
The participation of Lukne VO SHG and Yaku SHG at the international festival marks another milestone for East Siang district, showcasing Arunachal Pradesh's community-driven development model and sustainable tourism initiatives on a wider platform.