Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu has sought the support of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in establishing a central kiwi research institute in Arunachal Pradesh, from where more than half of India’s kiwi production originates.
Wangsu also proposed the creation of a multidisciplinary organic agriculture university for region-specific research, as well as upgradation of the ICAR research station in Basar into a full-fledged directorate focused on mid-hill zone studies.
Additionally, the minister proposed the establishment of 10 new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) and funding for eight already approved KVKs, along with setting up of a fisheries college and a veterinary college. Among his other key demands were the creation of a BSL-II laboratory for the early detection and control of zoonotic and livestock diseases, the strengthening of the NRC on Yak in Dirang, and the establishment of sub-centres for mithun.
These demands clearly highlight how rudimentary and basic the existing agricultural infrastructure in the region is. The state is actively encouraging both cash cropping and animal husbandry, but hard labour and land availability alone are not sufficient for farmers to succeed. Support is needed not only in terms of buy-back arrangements but also in helping farmers establish and sustain their ventures.
If done sustainably, agriculture has the potential to transform the entire economy of the region. Research efforts should focus on assessing the suitability of land and climate, especially in light of the rapid and drastic changes brought about by climate change. Environmental impact assessments are also crucial to ensure that agricultural expansion does not lead to large-scale ecological degradation.