ITANAGAR, 8 Jan: A group of five farmers selected under ‘Harvest of the Month’ initiative showcased their produce to Chief Minister Pema Khandu here on Wednesday.
The farmers, led by agriculture minister Gabriel D. Wangsu showcased oranges, kiwis, persimmons, walnuts and large cardamom.
The initiative, launched in September, 2024, aims to showcase seasonal produce, encourage farmers and promote horticulture farming in the state.
The ‘Harvest of the Month’ programme provides a platform to progressive farmers or government farms to present their produce to the Chief Minister, while also presenting the challenges and opportunities in cultivating the crop.
During the meeting, the farmers highlighted various issues such as need for improved market access, challenges like, logistical hurdles, particularly for transporting produce, and the impact of traditional cultivation methods on large cardamom production, leading to increased disease susceptibility.
The farmers requested support in various areas including, the establishment of nurseries, improved transportation infrastructure, reliable electricity and road connectivity, and smoother access to Atma Nirbhar bank loans.
While acknowledging their challenges, Khandu highlighted the importance of obtaining disease-free saplings from government nurseries to combat crop diseases. He stressed the need for organized farmer societies to collectively address challenges and improve market access.
The Chief Minister urged the horticulture department to identify key issues and implement structured solutions for farmers’ benefit.
The progressive farmers selected for this month were Talum Tabing, an orange farmer from Siang district, Hage Jarjo, a kiwi farmer from Lower Subansiri, Bodumba, apple, kiwi and persimmon farmer from West Kameng, Tashi Nampo, a walnut farmer from Dirang and Ngurang Takap, a large cardamom farmer from Papum Pare.
Wangsu was accompanied by the secretary and director of horticulture dept. (CM’s PR Cell)
