Author name: OnlineAge

YAZALI : Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Thursday said Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a national model for sustainable and community-driven development, while inaugurating the two-day Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026 at Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali in Keyi Panyor district. The programme, which also included a stakeholder consultation on biohappiness and climate resilience, was jointly organised by the 16th Yachuli MLA Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai. Addressing farmers, scientists, researchers, policymakers and indigenous community representatives from across the state, Wangsu said the answers to sustainable development already exist within Arunachal Pradesh’s traditional knowledge systems and farming practices. “The world is searching for sustainable models of development, and the answers already exist in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said. Highlighting the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, the Minister said erratic rainfall, shorter winters and increasing floods are adversely affecting farmers and rural communities. He stressed that indigenous rice varieties and traditional crops preserved by local farmers over generations are naturally adapted to local ecosystems and are crucial for future food security and climate resilience. “Losing these traditional crops would not only be a cultural loss, but also a serious threat to our future food security and resilience,” he said. Calling for collective action, Wangsu said biodiversity conservation and climate resilience cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. “Community participation is the key because no government alone can protect biodiversity, and no scientist alone can conserve seeds,” he remarked, urging villages, panchayat institutions, youth groups and farming communities to actively participate in conservation initiatives. The Minister also welcomed increasing awareness on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act and appreciated efforts to secure intellectual property rights protection for 12 indigenous paddy varieties from Lower Subansiri district. Describing quality seeds as the foundation of agricultural transformation, Wangsu stressed the need to strengthen seed villages, community seed banks, local seed certification systems, cold storage infrastructure and farmer-led seed production systems across the state. He further highlighted the role of women in preserving agrobiodiversity, describing them as the “true custodians of biodiversity” in tribal communities. Encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture, Wangsu urged young people to view the sector as a modern and innovative profession linked to sustainability, entrepreneurship, food processing, eco-tourism and digital marketing. “Our young people must see agriculture not as a last option, but as a meaningful profession that connects livelihood with sustainability,” he said. Reaffirming the commitment of the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Minister said the state is working closely with premier institutions and stakeholders to promote climate resilience and sustainable development suited to the ecological conditions of the Northeast. A major attraction of the programme was the Arunachal Seed Festival and Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition, where community seed conservers, particularly from the Nyishi and Apatani communities, showcased indigenous crop varieties, traditional farming practices and biodiversity-based livelihood models. The inaugural programme was attended by 16th Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan, architect Rajeev Sethi, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority Guwahati Dr Atul Chandra Sharma, Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Biodiversity Programme Director Dr E D Israel Oliver King, representatives from NABARD, Rajiv Gandhi University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions and farmers from different districts.

BOLENG : Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday reviewed ongoing developmental activities and public service delivery in Siang district during a visit to Boleng and Pangin circle. The Minister chaired a review meeting at the Conference Hall of Circuit House, Boleng, in the presence of Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, administrative officers, heads of departments and officials from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour Departments. During the meeting, the district administration presented an overview of Siang district, highlighting key developmental initiatives and proposed interventions. Addressing the officials, Karandlaje offered suggestions aimed at strengthening developmental activities and improving delivery of public services across the district. Following the meeting, the Minister inspected several ongoing projects and beneficiary-oriented schemes in Boleng, including a brick fabrication unit functioning under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, a Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) beneficiary housing unit and the District Hospital at Boleng. Karandlaje later visited Moli and Moruk villages under Pangin circle, where she was received by villagers, Panchayati Raj Institution leaders and district officials. During the visit, she inspected Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) beneficiary houses, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act works, an open-air gym and water tank infrastructure developed under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Union Minister also interacted with beneficiaries and villagers and reviewed the implementation of various developmental programmes in the area, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to grassroots development and public welfare. (DIPR)

ZIRO : A high-level delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi, led by Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, visited Ziro on Thursday to review women’s empowerment, safety, digital inclusion and welfare initiatives in Lower Subansiri district. The visiting delegation was accorded the status of State Guests by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The visit was coordinated by the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) under the leadership of its Chairperson Yalem Taga Burang. The day began with a review of the Yashoda AI initiative at Kalung Panchayat Hall. The programme focuses on the use of technology-driven solutions to address challenges faced by mothers and frontline workers. The delegation also attended the She Serve programme at the same venue, which aimed at encouraging women’s leadership in public service and community governance. Later, the team visited Hari Government Secondary School Community Hall, where members interacted with village elders, women and local residents during an awareness session on various central and state government welfare schemes implemented through the health and livelihood sectors. The visit concluded with a review meeting at the District Secretariat, Ziro, where NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and the delegation held discussions with senior administrative and police officials of Lower Subansiri district. The meeting reviewed issues related to law and order, women’s safety and the handling of legal cases concerning women, with emphasis on ensuring a secure environment and effective delivery of welfare initiatives in the district. (DIPR)

YINGKIONG : An interaction-cum-focused group discussion (FGD) on polygamy and its impact on women’s mental health was organised at the office of the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), Upper Siang district unit, Yingkiong on Thursday. The programme witnessed active participation and deliberations on the social, psychological and cultural dimensions of polygamy and women’s welfare. Speaking as the facilitator, Fakir Mohan University Assistant Professor Moti Pangkam shared her academic interest in studying issues related to polygamy, particularly its impact on women’s mental health. She also highlighted the important role of the media in amplifying women’s voices and addressing social issues affecting them. Addressing the gathering, APWWS Upper Siang district unit President Kasimang Jopir Pazing said the organisation has been actively conducting awareness campaigns on legal literacy, women’s rights, skill development, education and anti-drug initiatives. She stated that creating awareness on issues related to polygamy has become one of the organisation’s top priorities and informed that APWWS would soon organise dedicated awareness programmes on the issue. DIPRO-cum-In-charge Publicity of APWWS Yalik Jerang stressed the importance of proper upbringing and empowerment of the girl child through quality education and financial independence. She also emphasised the need to educate young and vulnerable girls about the consequences of polygamy and said education, coupled with a positive mindset, is essential for bringing meaningful and transformational social change. (DIPR)