Itanagar: In a significant stride towards bolstering both local agriculture and the welfare of India’s border guardians, Arunachal Pradesh proudly dispatched its inaugural consignment of fresh vegetables to the 59th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) stationed at Nafra in the Bichom district.
The historic handover, which took place on Thursday, marks a pivotal moment for “Mission Arun Himveer,” a collaborative brainchild of the Arunachal Pradesh Agricultural Marketing Board (APAMB) and the ITBP.
Bichom Deputy Commissioner Bopai Puroik officially flagged off the consignment, underscoring the deep-seated pride and purpose behind this novel initiative. Addressing those gathered, Puroik highlighted the mission’s dual objective: to forge an unbreakable link between the diligent farmers of the region and the courageous personnel who stand sentinel at the nation’s frontiers.
At its core, Mission Arun Himveer is engineered to establish a robust and enduring supply chain. This will see a consistent flow of fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry making its way from local farmers, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations, and cooperatives directly to ITBP jawans deployed in the challenging, high-altitude terrains of the state. The formalisation of this mission through a Memorandum of Understanding between the ITBP and APAMB signals a clear commitment from all stakeholders.
Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office have lauded the mission as a testament to the government’s push for self-reliance and regional economic development, while simultaneously ensuring enhanced welfare for the troops. This strategic move is set to drastically cut down logistical dependencies on extended supply lines and the often-inefficient role of middlemen, promising timely delivery, equitable pricing for farmers, and superior quality produce for the security forces. In turn, local farming communities are set to benefit immensely from access to a stable and institutional market.
Beyond its immediate impact, the project is a resounding endorsement of the government’s “Vocal for Local” vision, promising a sustainable uplift for rural livelihoods and a tangible boost to the morale and nutritional well-being of border personnel. There’s a palpable sense of optimism among officials that Mission Arun Himveer will evolve into a national benchmark for civil-security cooperation, cultivating a stronger sense of trust, fostering development, and building resilience across Arunachal Pradesh’s vital border regions.
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