Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K. T. Parnaik (Retd.) met with Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, at the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar to discuss key strategies for strengthening the agriculture and infrastructure sectors in the state.
In the meeting, Union Minister Thakur and Governor Parnaik deliberated on advancing the implementation and expansion of central agricultural schemes to suit the unique geographical and socio-economic challenges of Arunachal Pradesh. According to an official release, the discussions centered around pushing development in farming and improving the welfare of the state’s farming community.
Governor Parnaik underscored the importance of introducing modern and innovative agricultural technologies to enhance crop productivity and elevate the livelihoods of farmers. He also highlighted the urgent need to revive defunct government farms and improve agricultural infrastructure to support large-scale cultivation and processing.
Seeking stronger market access for farmers, Parnaik advocated for the effective implementation of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for perishable horticultural and agricultural products, along with the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) to develop scientific storage facilities across the state.
“These initiatives are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that farmers get fair prices for their produce,” the Governor said.
During the discussion, Parnaik also briefed the Union Minister on the state’s flagship ‘Arun Himveer’ initiative, which supplies fresh, locally grown vegetables and produce to the armed forces stationed in remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh, thereby promoting self-reliance and boosting the local economy.
In response, Union Minister Thakur assured the Governor of the Centre’s full support in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the welfare of farmers in the state. He also expressed optimism about the potential of Arunachal Pradesh becoming a model for sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth in the region.