"Arunachal holds tremendous scope for agro-food processing industries, especially in horticulture"

Arunachal Pradesh has an agriculture based economy where more than 70 per cent population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. As the state is endowed with enormous natural resources and suitable agro-climatic zones, the sector therefore, continues to be central to all strategies for the state's planned socio-economic development. Gabriel D Wangsu, Minister, Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, at the recently-held 15th Agrovision 2024, spoke with AgroSpectrum on the various initiatives to boost rapid growth of agriculture sector of the state, aimed at achieving self-reliance, household food security and forging equity in income wealth distribution to rapidly reduce poverty. Edited experts;

- Suchetana Choudhury

What are the state government’s strategies for promoting exotic fruits and vegetables in Arunachal Pradesh?

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh encourages the cultivation of horticultural produce such as kiwi, avocado, dragon fruit, and persimmon under the umbrella scheme of Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojna, wherein all the schemes are encompassed under a bank-linked credit subsidy scheme comprising time-bound implementation and participation from various stakeholders such as government, bank, project consultants and progressive farmers. The line of credit is usually provided by the State Bank of India, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, and Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Apex Bank. This scheme is a part of the government’s broader agricultural reform strategy, contributing towards a holistic vision of achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat, with agriculture acting as the fulcrum towards making India self-reliant and economically strong.

The government encourages young and marginal farmers to come forward and promote the cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables in the state. However, since Arunachal holds self-sufficiency in producing indigenous fruits and vegetables, the focus is mostly inclined towards developing market linkages for the produce for better remuneration to farmers. Considering the abundance of locally produced fruits and vegetables in the state, the government has not emphasised field trials on exotic fruit production. Through the Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojna, the state government is thus invested in boosting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports in various sectors.

Have any initiatives towards the production of biofuels been taken?