Make Bagra a ‘pineapple bowl’ of India, Lhamu urges farmers
BAGRA, 16 Jan: Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu urged farmers to make Bagra a “pineapple bowl” of the state and the country, noting that Bagra circle in West Siang district is blessed with fertile soil suitable for pineapple cultivation.
Inaugurating the three-day Arunachal Pineapple Festival Bagra 3.0 here in West Siang district on Friday, Lhamu said that the income of pineapple growers is steadily increasing due to various welfare schemes initiated by the state government. She assured that some of the demands raised by the organisers would be fulfilled.
MLA Topin Ete urged farmers to cultivate more pineapples and allied fruit crops, stating that the produce from the region is of excellent quality and is being exported to countries such as Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
APIDFCL Chairman Nani Lajie said that the state government will soon revive the non-functional fruit processing unit in Nigmoi, near Doji Jeko. He further stated that the government is planning to establish a mega food park in Nigmoi, as the entire Pushi-Bagra region is highly suitable for horticultural farming.
He said that these mega projects are being initiated by MLA Topin Ete and are expected to be completed before 2029.
Horticulture Director Tobom Bam encouraged farmers to “expand pineapple cultivation along with allied farming activities for sustainable livelihood development.”
APFB 3.0 organising chairman Tumi Bagra highlighted the abundant cultivation of pineapple in Bagra circle and its potential for commercial growth.
ANWS president Dumar Bagra and retired horticulture director Dr Dubom Bagra also addressed the gathering.
An interactive session was held among pineapple stakeholders, including growers, officials from the APEDA, the Horticulture Department and banks, besides industrialists. The pineapple growers were represented by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Liyi Bagra and ICAR Basar scientist Dr Gerik Bagra.
During the interaction, important issues related to exports, marketing, and loan procedures were discussed, benefiting many farmers with valuable knowledge.
On the occasion, ‘Arunicellar Estate’ pineapple wine and a pamphlet of the Horticulture Department were also launched.
The Arunachal Pineapple Festival Bagra is an agro-based festival that began in 2024. Recognising its importance, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has declared it an annual calendar event. The festival is jointly organised by the Horticulture Department and the Bagra Welfare Society.
West Siang DC Techu Aran, ZPC Nyali Bagra, ZPMs of West Siang, industrialists, exporters, HoDs, senior officers and general public attended the first day of the festival. (DIPRO)
