TAWANG: In a significant push to promote agricultural and processed food exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the wider North-Eastern Region (NER) of India, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organized an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang on Friday. The event witnessed participation from 11 international buyers representing three countries—UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan—17 Indian exporters from seven states and Union Territories, and over 200 local farmers, highlighting a vibrant platform for trade interaction.
Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, graced the event as Chief Guest alongside Agriculture Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and several senior government officials. In his keynote address, CM Khandu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to developing the agriculture and allied sectors, uplifting farmer livelihoods, empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and driving women-led development. He emphasized tapping into the export potential of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged produce such as Khaw Tai (Khamti) Rice, Mandarin Orange, Kiwi, Apple, Persimmon, Yak Cheese (Churpi), and more, especially to Southeast Asian and ASEAN markets.
Agriculture Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu underlined the need for capacity building among farmers to secure better prices in both domestic and global markets. He praised local producers for their dedication to cultivating premium produce including kiwi, apples, mandarin oranges, walnuts, and value-added products like wines.
Chief Secretary Manish Gupta described Arunachal Pradesh as a “powerhouse of organic produce” and reiterated the state’s focus on promoting a range of exports including arecanut, large cardamom, yak cheese, and persimmon. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, IAS, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) for participation in national and international trade fairs, and emphasized APEDA’s role in supporting infrastructure, training, branding, and global promotion of Arunachal’s agricultural products.
The event facilitated direct interaction between buyers and Indian exporters with over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from across Arunachal Pradesh, providing a platform to discuss production capacities and quality standards. Additionally, over 10 exhibition stalls were set up by key stakeholders including the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, APEDA, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), NAFED, Spices Board of India, NCOL, Amul, NERAMAC, and MPEDA to showcase a diverse agri basket and services, making the event a comprehensive initiative for strengthening the agri-export ecosystem in the Northeast, stated a press release.
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