Boosting Kiwi and Natural Farming: Arunachal Pradesh Plans Strategic Roadmap for Agriculture

The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Allied departments of Arunachal Pradesh, held a consultative meeting in Naharlagun on Monday to draft a comprehensive three-year action plan aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural landscape. Attended by Agriculture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, MLA Talem Taboh, ICAR scientists, and key stakeholders, the consultation focused on establishing a time-bound framework centered on research, technology adoption, climate resilience, and market connectivity. Discussions highlighted priority interventions for the state’s unique USP crops—particularly kiwi—through varietal improvement, post-harvest management, and value addition, alongside the proposed mentorship of the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) by ICAR-NEH. The plan will also focus on the scientific validation and certification of natural farming practices tailored to the region’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Emphasizing the need for stronger institutional collaboration, Minister Wangsu urged that scientific research and expertise be effectively translated into practical, field-level solutions that directly improve economic opportunities for local farmers.