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LIKABALI, OCT 2: A Sampark Sabha was conducted at Police Station Likabali under the chairmanship of Lower Siang Superintendent of Police, with the participation of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), Reserve Inspector (Police), all Officer-in-Charges and police personnel of the district. The interaction was organised to facilitate direct communication between senior officers and police personnel and provide a platform to raise grievances, difficulties, suggestions and concerns related to welfare and working conditions. During the meeting, personnel placed their issues and suggestions before the supervisory officers. The Superintendent of Police patiently heard the concerns and assured them that genuine issues would be examined and addressed at the appropriate level. Senior officers also emphasised the importance of discipline, professionalism, mutual cooperation and effective communication within the force for efficient discharge of duties. The Sampark Sabha provided a platform for constructive interaction between supervisory officers and personnel and aimed at strengthening welfare, morale, coordination and the overall functioning of the Lower Siang Police.  

NIRJULI, OCT 1: Agricultural technology must ultimately serve farmers and work under actual field conditions, Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu said while addressing the valedictory ceremony of EARITA 2026 at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, on Thursday. Calling for a farmer-centric approach to agricultural innovation in the Northeast, Wangsu said technologies must take into account the region’s difficult terrain, small landholdings, diverse agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices. “Technology in agriculture must ultimately serve the farmer,” Wangsu said, adding that the success of an innovation should be measured not merely by its sophistication but by its usefulness, affordability and accessibility to farmers. The conference, organised by the Department of Agricultural Engineering, NERIST, brought together researchers, scientists, academicians, students, innovators and professionals to discuss emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, sensors, remote sensing and digital platforms. Wangsu said the Northeast could not simply adopt agricultural models designed for large, mechanised farms elsewhere. Technologies developed for the region, he said, should be affordable, adaptable, reliable and easy to use. He also linked agricultural innovation with climate and environmental challenges, highlighting the relevance of research on glacier retreat, permafrost, soil erosion, hydrology and changing rainfall patterns to water security, soil health, crop productivity and farm resilience. The Minister identified smart irrigation, remote sensing, hydrological modelling and Internet of Things (IoT)-based water management as areas with potential to improve resource efficiency. He said farm mechanisation should focus not only on automation but also on reducing drudgery, improving safety and efficiency, and addressing the realities of small farms, difficult terrain and horticultural production. Wangsu stressed that the digital divide in rural areas must also be addressed so that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies do not remain accessible only to farmers with expensive equipment, specialised skills or high-speed connectivity. Welcoming research presented at the conference on edge-AI and low-bandwidth solutions for smallholder farms, he highlighted the potential of machine-vision grading, AI-based quality assessment, shelf-life prediction and improved drying technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and create opportunities for rural entrepreneurship. “The farmer of the future should not only be a producer. They should also have the opportunity to become a processor, entrepreneur and value creator,” he said. The Minister urged researchers and organisers to take the ideas discussed at EARITA beyond conference halls and research papers through field testing, demonstrations and adoption under actual conditions in the Northeast. He called for stronger collaboration among NERIST, research institutions, industry and the Agriculture Department, with farmers involved in testing technologies and providing feedback. “Farmers should be able to see the technology, understand it, use it and tell us how it can be improved,” Wangsu said. He also encouraged students and young researchers to explore opportunities in AI, robotics, drones, sensors, biotechnology, food processing, renewable energy and digital platforms, and said the Northeast should aspire to become a creator of agricultural technologies suited to its own conditions. Wangsu expressed confidence that NERIST, with its multidisciplinary expertise, could play a larger role in developing and testing technologies suited to the agricultural landscape of the Northeast. He also assured the organisers of possible support for the programme next year and called for sustained cooperation among academia, government, industry and the farming community. NERIST Director Prof Narendranath S., scientists, academicians, researchers and students attended the valedictory ceremony.    

ZIRO, OCT 1: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is exploring a two-metric-tonne pilot consignment of Ziro Kiwi to Singapore and Dubai this year, with a preparatory meeting held at the District Secretariat here on Thursday to assess export prospects and strengthen market linkages for local growers. APEDA Consultant Saurabh Srivastava, Regional Office Guwahati, and Deputy Director, Department of Trade & Commerce Jainy Badu interacted with kiwi growers, cooperative society members and district officials on production capacity, quality standards, marketing arrangements and challenges in taking Ziro Kiwi to international markets. The meeting was chaired by Assistant Commissioner Radhe Tatung, who highlighted Ziro Valley’s prominence in kiwi cultivation and stressed the need for a structured export model to help farmers access international markets and secure better returns. Srivastava said the proposed pilot would help assess production capacity, quality requirements, marketing arrangements and existing bottlenecks. He also pointed to improved air connectivity from Guwahati to Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok as a potential advantage for export logistics. District Horticulture Officer Hibu Dante said Ziro Kiwi is traditionally cultivated without chemical inputs and has potential for organic certification. He stressed the need for certification and sought handholding and capacity-building programmes to familiarise growers with export procedures and international quality requirements. Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society Ltd., Ziro chairman Bamin Siiri said around 200 farmers are registered with the society and four major varieties—Allison, Bruno, Monty and Hayward—are cultivated in the valley. He expressed confidence that the proposed two-tonne consignment could be arranged and assured cooperation with APEDA. Siiri also highlighted the practice of outside buyers purchasing kiwi before maturity, leaving farmers with limited alternatives and sometimes forcing premature sales at unfavourable prices. He called for direct market linkages and greater recognition of the distinct identity of “Ziro Kiwi”, besides early interaction between growers and prospective buyers. District Agriculture Officer Leegang Ania sought technological and logistical support for post-harvest management, including an automatic grading machine to reduce the labour involved in manual grading and minimise damage to the delicate fruits. She also sought transport subsidies and support for growers beyond the cooperative society. Badu invited growers to a proposed export-procedure handholding programme in Itanagar in November, to be organised in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata. He said the pilot export could provide growers practical experience and help build capacity for independently managing future exports. He also informed that the State Government was exploring kiwi exports to Southeast Asian markets through the Pangsu Pass route at Nampong. Trade Development Officer Tai Arun called for priority to be given to Ziro kiwi growers in upcoming training programmes and proposed a specialised packaging programme at Ziro in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata. He stressed the importance of packaging, grading, quality assurance and collective marketing for improving the competitiveness of Ziro Kiwi. Senior progressive farmer Hage Tara and other growers shared concerns and suggestions regarding market access, post-harvest infrastructure, technical guidance and institutional support. The visiting APEDA team also inspected a kiwi orchard of a cooperative society member to assess cultivation practices, growing conditions and the physical characteristics of the fruit as part of the preliminary field assessment. The meeting and field visit marked a step towards improving the export readiness of Ziro kiwi growers and exploring international markets for the district’s horticultural produce.    

ITANAGAR, OCT 1: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Santosh Kumar called on Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) at Lok Bhavan here on Thursday and discussed measures for conserving Arunachal Pradesh’s flora, fauna and biodiversity. The discussions also covered initiatives to enhance greenery and ecological balance in urban areas. The Governor said Arunachal Pradesh, with its extensive forests, rich biodiversity and vibrant indigenous traditions, has a special responsibility towards environmental stewardship. He emphasised that economic growth, infrastructure development and improved quality of life should be pursued while preserving and sustainably harnessing the State’s natural wealth. Parnaik advised the PCCF and Forest Department to intensify public awareness campaigns and encourage greater community participation in conservation practices that have sustained local communities for generations. He also called for greater involvement of youth in protecting the State’s natural heritage. The Governor said sustainable development, supported by cultural values and community participation, could contribute to a greener, healthier and more resilient future. Kumar, who recently assumed charge as PCCF and HoFF, assured the Governor of his commitment to strengthening conservation efforts across the State. He said the department would focus on improving green cover, protecting wildlife habitats and promoting sustainable environmental practices through active community participation.

ITANAGAR, OCT 1: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) flagged off a solo cycling expedition by Abhinav Singh from Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, on Thursday on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. Singh has embarked on a 3,000-km cycling journey from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat in memory of his late grandparents. Extending his best wishes for the expedition, the Governor commended Singh for combining a personal tribute with a social message. He said the initiative would not only demonstrate physical endurance and determination but also highlight society’s responsibility towards senior citizens. Parnaik advised Singh to use the expedition as a platform to spread awareness about the importance of geriatric care and greater sensitivity towards the elderly. He said the well-being, dignity and security of senior citizens must remain a priority as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation. The Governor noted that rapid urbanisation and changing family structures can leave senior citizens vulnerable to loneliness, neglect and health-related challenges. He emphasised the need for stronger family bonds, community support systems and greater awareness of geriatric healthcare services. He expressed hope that the expedition would inspire young people to care for their parents and grandparents, strengthen inter-generational bonds and recognise the contribution of senior citizens to society and nation-building. Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) K. Satya Lakshmi, Registrar Dr Prasant Roy, faculty members and students of Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University were present at the flag-off ceremony.