ITANAGAR, Nov 10: Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology minister Dasanglu Pul on Tuesday inaugurated a geothermal-powered drying unit at Dirang in West Kameng district, marking a significant step towards harnessing renewable energy for agricultural development and improving farmers' livelihoods.
The facility, funded by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences with gap funding from the Arunachal Pradesh government, was inaugurated in the presence of Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener, Dirang MLA and advisor to the minister, Phurpa Tsering, and scientists and experts from India, Norway and Iceland.
Speaking on the occasion, Pul said the initiative would help transform scientific research into practical solutions benefiting farmers and rural communities.
She said the facility would utilise natural geothermal heat to dry and preserve locally produced agricultural and livestock products, including kiwi, apple, persimmon and yak meat.
The technology could minimise post-harvest losses, improve the market value of local produce, enhance farmers' incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, she said.
The minister, who also chairs the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), appreciated the technical cooperation extended by Norway and Iceland in developing the facility.
During her address, Pul urged the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to issue the sanction order for the already-approved Seismic MicroZonation Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the state's vulnerability to earthquakes, she said the project was crucial as Arunachal Pradesh falls under Seismic Zone V, the country's highest seismic hazard classification.
The project would strengthen disaster preparedness and facilitate safer infrastructure planning, she said.
Pul also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for encouraging scientific innovation and sustainable development in the state.
Welcoming the Norwegian Ambassador on her maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the minister expressed hope that the initiative would pave the way for greater international collaboration in renewable energy, scientific research and technology transfer.
The event was also attended by Ministry of Earth Sciences Scientist-G and advisor Dr Jagvir Singh and Oil India Limited Director (Exploration and Development) Soloma Yomdo.
Pul congratulated CES&HS director Tana Tage and his team, Oil India Limited and international partners for their contributions to the project.
Emphasising the importance of making scientific advancements accessible to ordinary people, Pul said the true success of science lay not merely in laboratory achievements but in bringing positive changes to people's lives.
She expressed hope that the Dirang initiative would serve as a model for similar sustainable development projects across 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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