ITANAGAR : Agriculture and Horticulture minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Saturday stressed the need for a scientific and evidence-based approach to agricultural development, asserting that projects aimed at transforming the state’s farm sector must be rooted in extensive research and ground realities.
Chairing a meeting with officials of the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd (NERAMAC) at Guwahati, Wangsu reviewed a series of proposals relating to fruit processing, plantation expansion, mushroom cultivation and large cardamom marketing.
During the deliberations, the minister underscored the importance of authentic and region-specific project documentation, directing officials to ensure that all data, photographs and field assessments accurately reflect local conditions.
“We should not rely on copied or generic information. Every proposal must accurately reflect the realities of our region,” Wangsu said.
Emphasising the need to move beyond discussions on the state’s agricultural potential, he said the focus should be on achieving practical and measurable outcomes that directly benefit farmers and rural communities.
“There is little value in repeatedly talking about the vast potential of our land if we are unable to effectively harness it. Our focus should be on practical and measurable outcomes,” he said.
Wangsu directed NERAMAC and departmental officials to identify the most suitable locations for cultivating Gucci (Morchella spp.) mushrooms, Shiitake mushrooms and large cardamom and develop them as model clusters before scaling up successful interventions across the state.
He said the cluster-based approach would help generate reliable data, assess market viability and create sustainable value chains for farmers.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture and horticulture sectors, Wangsu assured NERAMAC of full cooperation and institutional support for projects that can improve farmers’ incomes and create new market opportunities.
The meeting discussed proposals for an Integrated Fruit Processing, Fruit Park and Plantation Expansion Project, an end-to-end value chain development project for Gucci and Shiitake mushrooms, and the establishment of an e-auction centre for large cardamom in Arunachal Pradesh.
Expressing optimism over the proposed initiatives, the minister said he hoped the discussions would translate into concrete benefits for farmers, entrepreneurs and producer groups while contributing to the long-term growth of the state’s horticulture and plantation economy.
