NEW DELHI : Arunachal Pradesh raised key concerns relating to seed systems, indigenous germplasm and organic farming during the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 held in New Delhi.
The two-day conference was chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and attended by Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur, Agriculture Ministers from various states, senior officials of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Government of India.
Representing the state, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu highlighted several issues concerning the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the Northeast, with special focus on strengthening seed systems and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Addressing the conference, Wangsu stated that quality seed remains the most critical agricultural input for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security. He urged the Centre to ensure timely allocation and release of funds under seed-related components and called for development of more certified seed varieties suited to the agro-climatic conditions of the Northeastern region.
The minister stressed that locally adapted and indigenous germplasm often perform better under local conditions than externally introduced varieties. He proposed greater flexibility in the use and promotion of indigenous germplasm suited to the region.
Wangsu also advocated promotion and multiplication of indigenous seed varieties through Government Seed Farms, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Farmers’ Training Centres (FTCs) and ICAR institutions. He further proposed empanelment of local and regional seed companies for production of seeds tailored to local agro-climatic conditions.
Highlighting challenges faced by farmers in remote areas, the minister sought enhanced support under the Seed Village Programme and the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) for strengthening seed infrastructure, farmer training and seed distribution systems.
He also requested enhanced financial assistance considering the high cost of certified seeds and the limited purchasing capacity of farmers in remote Northeastern states.
On sustainable agriculture, Wangsu said Arunachal Pradesh, being “largely organic by default,” intends to promote organic and bio-based crop protection measures in line with the Mission Organic vision of the Government of India.
He called for greater emphasis on the promotion of bio-pesticides, bio-fungicides, sticky traps and light traps for environmentally safe and sustainable crop protection. The minister noted that bio-based crop protection measures offer long-term sustainability benefits while reducing health hazards associated with chemical pesticide residues.
Wangsu further proposed the introduction of a dedicated Organic Bio-based Crop Protection Scheme under Government of India programmes.
Expressing optimism, he said the state government remains hopeful that the concerns and proposals placed before the conference would receive due consideration in the interest of farmers, sustainable agriculture and inclusive national development.
In his concluding remarks, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed satisfaction over the active participation and constructive deliberations during the conference. He urged all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the discussions at the grassroots level.
Emphasising environmentally responsible farming practices, Chouhan stressed the need to safeguard agricultural land and ecological balance through the “Khet-Bachao Mission.” He also appealed to the Centre, states, ICAR institutions, agricultural universities and KVKs to work collectively towards balanced fertiliser use and sustainable farming practices.
Senior officials from Arunachal Pradesh, including Secretaries of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, also attended the conference.
