[Michi Tani]
Arunachal Pradesh is primarily an agricultural state, with more than 70% of its population depending on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. The state boasts vast expanses of fertile land and a rich tapestry of biodiversity, which holds immense potential in horticulture. However, despite these natural resources, the state is yet to unlock the benefits that horticulture-based ecotourism can offer. As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable tourism, the people of Arunachal have a golden opportunity to embrace this model, securing their livelihoods and of the generations to come.
Horti-tourism refers to the activity of attracting visitors to regions primarily used for horticulture. The concept of combining horticulture with ecotourism goes beyond agriculture; it promises sustainability, self-reliance, and financial prosperity.Farmers are now eager to embrace innovative methods, moving away from traditional practices to profitable commercial cultivation. This shift in mindset, coupled with the rise of ecotourism, offers a unique opportunity for farmers to diversify their income by participating in farm stays, horti-tourism, and selling organic produce directly to visitors. A prime example of this transformation is Ziro’s first large-scale cabbage garden, managed by local farmer and entrepreneur Nani Tam, who produces cabbage organically, without fertilisers or pesticides. This can be a selling point for ecotourism, as tourists often seek organic and healthy food options. It also illustrates the economic potential of horticultural crops in generating income for local communities and sets a benchmark for integrating large-scale horticultural activities with tourism.
A key aspect of successful horticulture-based ecotourism is selecting the right crops. Arunachal’s topography, with its hilly and uneven terrain, offers an ideal environment for cultivating crops like cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and solanaceous vegetables (such as tomatoes, brinjal, and peppers), cabbage, and cauliflower, among fruit trees such as oranges, kiwi, and pineapples. These crops have high market demand and can also be the centrepiece of agro-tourism initiatives, enhancing market opportunities for horticultural products and improving farmers’ living standards. Furthermore, the influx of tourists and their involvement in farming activities for recreation will raise awareness about sustainable farming practices, helping to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals. Wild fruits, which have long been integral to the natural ecosystems of rural villages, can also play a significant role. Cultivating these fruits within agricultural systems can create a variety of agro-tourism activities, such as fruit-picking events, guided nature walks, and workshops on their traditional uses.
Farmers can offer tourists hands-on experiences, such as learning about organic farming techniques, participating in harvests of seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and kiwis, or exploring the region’s unique crops. Developing well-maintained gardens displaying native plants, flowers, and rare species can serve as educational tourist spots, appealing to botanists, students, research enthusiasts, and nature lovers or creating simple yet comfortable accommodations for tourists within or near farms. It will bring tourists to experience the true culture of rural areas and this unique idea gives visitors the chance to see rural life up close. Additionally, organising festivals around horticultural seasons, such as apple harvest festivals, a kiwi picking event, a pineapple festival, or blossom festivals can attract seasonal tourists and provide farmers with a platform to showcase their produce.
Expert guidance from state agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, research centres and district agriculture and horticulture departments can provide farmers with valuable insights into sustainable farming techniques and efficient resource management. Meanwhile, state government support can facilitate access to financial resources, training programmes, and infrastructure improvements. Recently, on 13 September, an orientation and training programme for farmers focused on the AtmaNirbhar Bagwani Yojana and packaging methods for kiwi and persimmon fruits was organised by the horticulture department at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Hong village in Lower Subansiri district. In ecotourism, showcasing well-packaged, high-quality local produce can enhance the visitor experience and provide added income to farmers. The state government has allocated Rs 621 crores for the agriculture and allied sectors in the year 2024-’25, with 4.5% of the state’s expenditure allocated to rural development. The process of rural development and resource allocation primarily aims to fulfil the employment needs of the rural population and provide market opportunities for rural producers; however, it also indirectly supports the sustainable growth of the rural economy.
The road to establishing horti-based ecotourism is not without its challenges. Issues like limited infrastructure, such as inadequate roads that hinder product transport, a lack of market access for small-scale farmers, and insufficient awareness among locals about the benefits of ecotourism can be significant barriers. The situation has likely improved with the construction of the Trans-Arunachal Highway and rural-linked roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), providing connectivity to vast potential areas. The government is making significant strides in improving rural road connectivity in the state, evidenced by the recent release of Rs 22.74 crores under the PMGSY in 2023. Nonetheless, challenges can be addressed through collective community efforts and strategic partnerships.
It is time for the people of Arunachal to take the first steps – connect with government schemes, seek expert advice, and explore new ventures in horticulture. By working together, they can turn Arunachal into a beacon of horticulture and tourism, setting an example for the rest of India. Let this article serve as a call to action, urging the local community to realise that the future of Arunachal lies in its land, its crops, and its people. (The contributor is a PhD research scholar in the fruits &horticultural technology division of the ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.)
