ARUNACHAL PRADESH: AGRICULTURE IS THE SOLE BASE FOR STATE’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: RIJIJU

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju was of the view that agriculture is the sole base for sustainable development of Arunachal Pradesh.

Gracing the valedictory function of the two-day State Conclave on ‘Perspective Planning for Resurgent Agriculture & allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh’ here on Saturday evening, Rijiju lauded the GoAP for conducting the conclave exclusively on agriculture and allied sector saying it was conducted at a right time.

He advocated to incorporate the outcome of the Conclave in government policy and to see that the farmers are benefitted from it.

The chief guest said that government intervention is required for scientific cropping and to establish market linkages for the farmers citing that most of their produce which have increased after adopting scientific cultivation are bound to sell out either in very low prices or let their produce go waste due to absent of market linkages. He said that it is the point where the govt intervention is essential.

He also urged the bankers to reach out to all the stakeholders and called for coordination between the farmers and the experts to improve the bankers’ credit flow. He cited that it is time to move to the districts and villages to improve their economy.

Rijiju said: “Arunachal Pradesh is a sleeping giant with vast natural resources and to transform it into economy we need to work harder and adopt proper policies.” He added saying “with our potentials, we should have been the supplier of agricultural crops and foods to the rest of the country instead of being a consumer State”.

While observing that agriculture growth of the State is more than the national average, he opined that our growth should actually be more than the present rate.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, in his speech, said that the recommendation of the Conclave will be incorporated in the next budget and assured that the state govt will adopt an agriculture-based budget in the next year which will aim to improve farm economy.

He informed that a meeting will be convened by the Chief Secretary with the officers of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary and Fisheries departments to discuss and work out a road map for framing a viable policy for inclusive growth.

In order to transform the policy of the govt, he urged the officers of Agriculture and Horticulture departments to play proactive role citing their role crucial for realizing the objectives. He also urged the departments to frame guidelines for immediate implementation of the budget announcements.

He categorically said that ‘one size fit all’ formula will not work for the State as it has diverse climate and land pattern and asked the departments to work out specific package of alternate crops for specific districts.

He also opined to revamp the Krishi Vigyan Kendras and utilize their services in research, training and extension works.

He stated that Chief Minister Pema Khandu-led govt is committed for transformation, innovation and transparency and also devoted to improve the rural/farm economy.

Chief Secretary Satya Gopal, ex-vice chancellor of Veterinary University (Ludhiana), Dr V K Taneja, Advisor Agriculture NITI AAYOG, Dr J P Mishra, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, H R Dave, Commissioner Home Dr G S Meena and Secretary Agriculture Y W Ringu also spoke.

On the occasion, GM NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh, Dr Gyanendra Mani made a presentation on the experts’ recommendations.

Dy CM, Agriculture Minister Wangki Lowang and AH & Veterinary Minister Dr Mohesh Chai attended the technical sessions of the Conclave.

During the two days conclave, brainstorming technical session on four major sub-topics viz enabling environment for development of agriculture & allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh; promotion of sustainable use of bamboo, sericulture, agriculture, value chain and agri-export; promotion of horticulture, spices and animal husbandry & fisheries sector were conducted by more than 60 scientists/subject-experts from across the country.

Over 800 participants including govt officers, members of NGOs, SHGs and progressive farmers attended the Conclave, according to an official release.