NAHARLAGUN, SEP 21:
The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Agriculture and allied departments of the Arunachal Pradesh Government, organised a consultative meeting at the Directorate of Agriculture here on Monday to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the State.
Agriculture and Allied Sector Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Minister Er Talem Taboh, senior government officials, scientists and officials from ICAR-NEH, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other stakeholders attended the meeting.
The consultation focused on preparing a coordinated, practical and outcome-oriented three-year action plan, with emphasis on scientific research, technology adoption, institutional collaboration and convergence of programmes and schemes.
A key focus was on leveraging ICAR expertise to strengthen 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 meeting also discussed strengthening the interface between research institutions and field-level programmes.
The proposed mentorship of the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) by ICAR-NEH was another major area of discussion. The collaboration is expected to support technical guidance, capacity building, joint research, knowledge exchange and institutional networking.
The participants also stressed the need for scientific validation and certification of natural farming practices, including on-farm validation, quality assurance and an appropriate certification framework suited to the State’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.
The proposed action plan will identify priority areas, interventions, programmes and schemes, along with clear responsibilities and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. It will focus on productivity enhancement, sustainability, climate resilience, capacity building, post-harvest management, value addition and market connectivity.
Addressing the meeting, Wangsu stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the State Government, ICAR and other institutions to harness the agricultural potential of Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasised scientific innovation, sustainable and climate-resilient practices and stronger value chains, while calling for coordinated interventions responsive to the State’s diverse agro-climatic conditions and the needs of farming communities.
He also stressed that research and institutional expertise should translate into practical field-level solutions and better economic opportunities for farmers.
The meeting marked a step towards developing an evidence-based and implementable three-year action plan to guide future interventions and investments for the sustainable and inclusive growth of agriculture and allied sectors in the State.
