State News

PASIGHAT : A one-day training programme on scientific buckwheat cultivation, post-harvest management and input distribution under the Front Line Demonstration (FLD) Programme was organised at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Pasighat, on Monday. The programme was jointly organised by CHF, the Multi Technology Testing Centre (MTTC), Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Siang, and the District Agriculture Office, Pasighat, with financial support from the All India Coordinated Research Network (AICRN) on Potential Crops, ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi. Thirty farmers, including 27 women, participated in the programme, which aimed to enhance their knowledge of scientific buckwheat cultivation, post-harvest management, value addition and sustainable production technologies. Agricultural inputs were also distributed to encourage the adoption of improved cultivation practices. In his welcome address, CHF Professor Dr P Debnath highlighted buckwheat’s potential as a climate-resilient, nutritionally rich and economically viable crop well suited to the hill ecosystems of Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat Agriculture Development Officer Aido Moyang informed the participants that the state government, under the 2025-26 financial year, has launched the Arunachal Millet and Buckwheat Mission in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras to promote buckwheat cultivation across the state. She said two Self-Help Groups from Silluk village and 10 individual farmers have been selected under the pilot initiative. Describing buckwheat as a climate-resilient crop with high market potential, Moyang said it is rich in essential nutrients and can serve as a nutritious food crop, quality livestock fodder and green manure, thereby supporting sustainable farming systems. Guest of honour Dr S K Yadav, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, AICRN on Potential Crops, ICAR-NBPGR, underscored the importance of underutilised crops in ensuring climate resilience, nutritional security and livelihood enhancement in the North Eastern Himalayan region. Pasighat District Agriculture Officer Dana Moyong stressed the need for quality seeds and scientific cultivation practices to improve farm productivity and income. Arunachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party Vice President Dungguli Libang and Bharatiya Kisan Morcha East Siang president Kaling Jamoh appreciated the initiative and emphasised scientific farming, value addition and institutional support for strengthening rural livelihoods. Addressing the gathering, CHF Dean Prof L Wangchu highlighted the potential of buckwheat as a climate-smart, high-value crop capable of enhancing food, nutritional and livelihood security in the Himalayan region. The technical session featured expert lectures on scientific cultivation, soil health, integrated crop management, conservation of genetic resources, value addition, post-harvest management and vermicompost-based nutrient management. Under the FLD programme, 7.5 quintals of certified buckwheat seed were distributed among the 30 participating farmers, with each receiving 25 kg of seed for cultivation during the current cropping season. Organisers said the initiative is expected to promote wider adoption of buckwheat as a high-value, climate-resilient crop while contributing to improved farm income, nutritional security and sustainable agriculture in the state.      

ANINI : An awareness camp under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative was organised at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Anini, to sensitise students and faculty on the protection, education, health and overall well-being of children, with special emphasis on the girl child. Resource persons included Anini District Child Protection Officer Dilip Linggi, advocate Oki Mihu and a Medical Officer from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) of the Health Department. The speakers highlighted the objectives of the BBBP initiative and created awareness on key issues such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, prevention of child marriage and mental health. Students were encouraged to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and to seek timely support whenever required. As part of the programme, the Health Department conducted routine health screening of students to assess their general health and promote preventive healthcare. The programme concluded with Government Higher Secondary School Anini Principal Nalako Tamuk administering the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao pledge, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by One Stop Centre Anini Case Worker Lajo Milli.

ITANAGAR : Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam on Sunday unconditionally withdrew his controversial remarks on the state’s 80:20 job reservation policy following a 12-hour ultimatum issued by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), which had termed his earlier comments “immature and irresponsible.” Dukam, who also chairs the state government committee constituted to examine the demand for abolition of the existing reservation ratio, said his statement was made in good faith out of concern for protecting the constitutional safeguards available to the state’s youth. “The statement was given in good faith. If my comments have hurt anyone, I unconditionally withdraw them,” Dukam told reporters, adding that he remains committed to the welfare of the state. Seeking to defuse the controversy, the Minister said the committee is examining all legal, constitutional and social aspects of the issue before submitting its recommendations. He also announced that a team would soon visit Nagaland to study reservation models adopted there before finalising the committee’s report within the stipulated timeframe. The controversy erupted after Dukam recently cautioned that completely abolishing the 20 per cent reservation for non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) candidates could invite legal challenges, potentially putting the state’s existing reservation framework at risk if struck down by the courts. Earlier on Saturday, AAPSU criticised the remarks as “immature and irresponsible” and demanded that Dukam clarify his stand and apologise within 12 hours. The union maintained that such comments were unbecoming of the chairman of a committee entrusted with reviewing the policy and argued that they created unnecessary fear and confusion over an issue of vital importance to the indigenous people of the state. It said the committee chairman was expected to remain neutral and refrain from expressing personal opinions before completing consultations with stakeholders. Rejecting Dukam’s apprehension, AAPSU asserted that Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution empower state governments to make special provisions for Scheduled Tribes, including reservation in public employment. It argued that Arunachal Pradesh, with its predominantly tribal population, is well within its constitutional authority to review the existing reservation ratio. AAPSU President Meje Taku said neighbouring Northeastern states have implemented similar reservation policies for decades without judicial interference and accused the Minister of creating unnecessary apprehension instead of providing legal clarity. “The abolition of the 80:20 ratio is a matter squarely within the powers of the state government, and no one should be allowed to create doubt about that for political convenience,” Taku had said. Reiterating that abolition of the 80:20 reservation ratio remains its foremost and non-negotiable demand, AAPSU urged the state government to ensure that the review committee carries out its mandate with fairness, diligence and impartiality.    

ITANAGAR : The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on Sunday celebrated its 45th Foundation Day, commemorating more than four decades of service to rural India while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive, resilient and sustainable rural development in Arunachal Pradesh. Established on July 12, 1982, NABARD has evolved from a rural credit institution into the country’s apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development, combining finance, institution building, supervision, innovation and development interventions. In Arunachal Pradesh, NABARD has worked closely with the State Government, banks, cooperative institutions, civil society organisations and rural communities to strengthen infrastructure, agriculture, livelihoods and financial inclusion. Its interventions span rural roads and bridges, irrigation, drinking water, health and education infrastructure, tribal orchard development, farmer collectives, spring rejuvenation, women empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promotion of indigenous products and market linkages. One of NABARD’s most significant contributions in the State has been through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). Under the scheme, NABARD has sanctioned 534 projects involving cumulative assistance of ₹5,116.46 crore for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The projects cover rural roads and bridges, irrigation, drinking water, flood protection, soil conservation, healthcare, educational institutions and other public infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing the quality of life in remote areas. To strengthen rural credit, NABARD has extended refinance support to Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, sanctioning ₹109.56 crore for short-term agricultural loans and ₹86.05 crore for long-term agricultural credit. It also plays a key supervisory role over Regional Rural Banks and cooperative banks while preparing district-level Potential Linked Credit Plans and the State Focus Paper to guide rural credit planning. Financial inclusion remains a core focus of the institution. Through the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, Joint Liability Groups, financial literacy initiatives, capacity building and digital financial inclusion, NABARD has supported wider access to formal banking services. It has extended ₹2,890.22 lakh for various financial inclusion initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh. Recognising the importance of collective farming, NABARD has promoted 17 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the State, enabling farmers to aggregate produce, improve value addition, access institutional finance and strengthen market linkages. The institution has also expanded livelihood opportunities through its Tribal Development Fund, popularly known as WADI (TRIBES) projects. These initiatives support orchard-based livelihood development, intercropping, soil and water conservation, livestock development and community institution building, helping tribal households establish sustainable long-term income sources. To promote climate-resilient agriculture, NABARD is implementing the JIVA programme, encouraging natural farming practices through the use of Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, biomass recycling and diversified cropping systems. The initiative seeks to improve soil health, reduce dependence on chemical inputs and enhance the resilience of farming systems. In the farm sector, NABARD has sanctioned assistance of ₹2,853.27 lakh for various development initiatives, including the adoption of digital technologies and Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions to improve farm productivity and resource management. Addressing climate change and ecological challenges, NABARD is supporting springshed development, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, efficient water use and climate-resilient agriculture to strengthen water security and natural resource management across the Himalayan State. The institution has also played a significant role in promoting Geographical Indication (GI) products. With NABARD’s support, 18 products from Arunachal Pradesh have secured GI registration, while another 18 products are in the pipeline. Beyond registration, the institution is assisting producer groups in branding, quality assurance, packaging and market access to ensure greater economic benefits for farmers and artisans. To improve rural marketing, NABARD has supported Rural Haats, Rural Marts, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets and other marketing platforms that enable farmers, artisans, SHGs and producer groups to access wider markets. Recognising the growing importance of rural entrepreneurship, NABARD has sanctioned ₹963.78 lakh for off-farm sector development and ₹245.95 lakh for skill development and capacity-building programmes. These initiatives support rural youth and women in establishing enterprises in food processing, tailoring, handicrafts, bakery and other locally viable sectors. The institution has also strengthened the cooperative sector by supporting the computerisation of 14 Large-sized Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS) in Arunachal Pradesh, alongside capacity building and governance reforms. Throughout its development initiatives, NABARD has placed women at the centre of rural transformation by promoting SHGs, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, livelihood programmes and market access, enabling greater financial independence and community participation. Highlighting its collaborative approach, NABARD said its work in Arunachal Pradesh has been anchored in partnerships with the State Government, banks, cooperative institutions, universities, research organisations, non-governmental organisations, FPOs, SHGs and community-based organisations to deliver locally relevant development solutions. As NABARD enters its 45th year, it reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Arunachal Pradesh’s rural economy through investments in high-value agriculture, horticulture, natural farming, GI products, food processing, bamboo, handloom and handicrafts, renewable energy, eco-tourism, rural enterprises and technology-driven agriculture. The institution said it would continue working alongside rural communities to strengthen infrastructure, build sustainable livelihoods, protect natural resources and promote inclusive economic growth across the State.      

ITANAGAR :  The 14th AEDMA Foundation Day Sports Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note on Saturday with thrilling football and volleyball finals, showcasing sportsmanship and healthy competition among members of the media fraternity. In the men’s football final, PSC-B defeated PSC-A 6-5 in a closely contested match at the Champions Pro 9 Futsal Ground in Lekhi to emerge champions. Speaking at the inaugural football match, Arunachal Press Club President Amar Sangno underscored the importance of balancing professional commitments with physical fitness. He encouraged media professionals to actively participate in sports to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The men’s volleyball final, held at the Pansa Multipurpose Indoor Hall in Chimpu, saw Team AEDMA defeat Team Media Warriors to lift the championship trophy. Addressing the inaugural volleyball match, Arunachal Motorsports Association Chairman Likha Tacho assured continued support for AEDMA’s sporting initiatives. He urged media professionals to incorporate sports into their daily routine to remain physically fit and mentally healthy. AEDMA President JT Tagam thanked all participating teams, officials and volunteers for contributing to the success of the tournament. He also emphasised the need for greater participation of women in future sporting events organised by media bodies. AEDMA expressed gratitude to the Arunachal Motorsports Association, Green Adventure Park, Kameng Aahsi, MCube Events and Soge Restro for their support in making the tournament a success.