Itanagar, Jul 25: State Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Saturday said agriculture and horticulture are powerful instruments for economic growth, self-reliance and rural prosperity, while urging greater adoption of scientific farming and modern technologies to improve farmers' incomes.
Interacting with farmers, horticulturists and officials during his visit to the State Horticulture Farm at Shergaon in West Kameng district, the Governor stressed the need to transfer modern farming techniques and innovative technologies from research farms to villages so that farmers, particularly the youth, can transform horticulture into a profitable entrepreneurial venture.
The Governor commended the farm management for promoting scientific horticulture and high-quality fruit cultivation.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's favourable climate for temperate fruit cultivation, Parnaik encouraged young people to view horticulture not only as a livelihood but also as an avenue for innovation, value addition and employment generation.
State Horticulture Farm In-charge Kuru Ama informed that the farm cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples besides plum, pear, chestnut, cherry, walnut and persimmon, while serving as a centre for scientific horticulture, quality planting materials and farmer training.
During the visit, the Governor also witnessed a demonstration of drone technology for crop monitoring and farm management, describing it as an important step towards improving productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Later, he visited the Government Trout Hatching Farm at Shergaon. The farm, established in 1979, produces around 2 metric tonnes of trout and 1.5 lakh trout seeds annually, besides supporting more than 60 local trout farmers, District Fisheries Development Officer Pema Khandu Thungon informed. The farm generated Rs 10.12 lakh in revenue during 2025-26.
The farm also serves as a major tourist attraction and is a vital support centre for more than 60 local trout farmers who depend on it for quality trout seed, DFDO said.
The Governor said integrated development of horticulture and fisheries could significantly enhance rural livelihoods, strengthen food security and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Parnaik interacts with HoDs, GBs
The Governor, while interacting with heads of departments and Gaon Burahs at Shergaon, said the true measure of governance lies in the extent to which people benefit from government programmes and welfare schemes. He urged officials to ensure that the benefits of Central and State Government schemes reach every eligible citizen, particularly those living in remote areas.
He said governance reforms must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives and emphasised that citizen welfare should remain at the centre of every development initiative.
Advocating a whole-of-district approach, the Governor called for greater coordination and convergence among departments to improve planning, resource utilisation and service delivery.
He also stressed that Viksit Bharat 2047 should become a people's movement driven by community participation, adding that the youth of Arunachal Pradesh are the architects of the nation's future and must be empowered with opportunities, guidance and a sense of purpose.
Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among youths, the Governor called for coordinated efforts by government agencies, community leaders, educational institutions and civil society organisations to tackle the problem.
The interaction was attended by local MLA Tseten Chombay, Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar Chetia, leaders of the Sherdukpen community, self-help group members and GBs, who shared their views on the development of the region.