ITANAGAR, Sep 21: The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Agriculture and allied departments of Arunachal Pradesh, on Monday held a consultative meeting to chalk out a Comprehensive Action Plan for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the state.
The meeting, held at the Directorate of Agriculture, Naharlagun, was attended by Minister of Agriculture and Allied Sector Gabriel D Wangsu, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Agriculture Minister Talem Taboh, senior state government officials, ICAR-NEH scientists and officials, KVK representatives and other stakeholders.
The consultation sought to identify priority interventions and develop a coordinated and time-bound framework focusing on research, technology adoption, institutional convergence, productivity enhancement, climate resilience and market connectivity.
Strengthening Arunachal’s identified USP crops, particularly kiwi, through scientific research, varietal improvement, post-harvest management, value addition and market linkages figured prominently during the discussions.
The proposed mentorship of the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) by ICAR-NEH was also discussed. The partnership is expected to facilitate technical guidance, capacity building, joint research, knowledge exchange and institutional networking.
Participants further discussed scientific validation and certification of natural farming practices, including on-farm validation, quality assurance and a suitable certification framework for practices adapted to the state’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.
The proposed action plan will outline priority areas, programmes and schemes, responsibilities and monitoring mechanisms over a three-year period, while aligning scientific expertise with field-level requirements.
Addressing the meeting, Wangsu emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the State Government, ICAR and other institutions to unlock the agricultural potential of Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed the importance of scientific innovation, sustainable and climate-resilient practices and stronger value chains, while underlining the need for focused and coordinated interventions responsive to the State’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. He also emphasised that research and institutional expertise should translate into practical field-level solutions and better economic opportunities for farmers.
The consultation is expected to provide the foundation for an evidence-based and implementable roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development of agriculture and allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh.