Naharlagun, Sep 21: The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam, Meghalaya in collaboration with Agriculture and allied departments, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organised a consultative meeting today at the Directorate of Agriculture, Naharlagun, for preparation of a Comprehensive Action Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Allied Sectors of Arunachal Pradesh.
The meeting was attended by Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister of Agriculture & Allied Sector; Er. Talem Taboh, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Minister (Agriculture);senior officials of the State Government, scientists and officials from ICAR-NEH, KVKs and other stakeholders.
The consultation focused on evolving a coordinated, practical and outcome-oriented action plan for accelerating the growth of agriculture and allied sectors in the State, with emphasis on scientific research, technology adoption, institutional collaboration and convergence of programmes and schemes.
A major focus was on leveraging the expertise of ICAR for strengthening the State’s identified USP crops, particularly kiwi, through research and technology development, varietal improvement, post-harvest management, value addition and stronger market linkages. The consultation also explored ways to strengthen the interface between research institutions and the State's field-level programmes.
The proposed mentorship of the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) by ICAR-NEH was another important area of focus. The proposed collaboration is aimed at strengthening the Institute through technical guidance, capacity building, joint research, knowledge exchange and institutional networking.
The consultation further highlighted the importance of scientific validation and certification of natural farming practices, including on-farm validation, quality assurance and development of an appropriate certification framework to facilitate wider adoption of suitable practices under the diverse agro-climatic conditions of Arunachal Pradesh.
The proposed Action Plan will envisage as a comprehensive and time-bound framework of 3 years identifying priority areas, interventions, programmes and schemes, along with clear responsibilities and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. It is intended to align scientific knowledge and institutional expertise with the specific needs and opportunities of Arunachal Pradesh.
The interaction also underscored the importance of a farmer-centric and region-specific approach, with greater emphasis on productivity enhancement, sustainability, climate resilience, capacity building, post-harvest management, value addition and market connectivity.
In his address, the Minister 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 and the requirements of its farming communities. He also emphasised that research and institutional expertise should translate into practical field-level solutions and better economic opportunities for farmers.
The consultative meeting marks an important step towards developing a comprehensive, evidence-based and implementable Action Plan to guide future interventions and investments for the sustainable and inclusive growth of agriculture and allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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