Prioritize horticulture to uplift rural economy: Rijiju

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Oct 4: Union Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju said that horticulture, owing to its high potential to transform and uplift the rural economy, may be prioritized for a concerted effort.

He was speaking at a two-day state Level Horticulture Mela cum Exhibition organized by West Kameng district Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Sangti from October 1 last under the sponsorship of tiol Horticultural Mission (NHB), Gurgaon.

Aruchal Pradesh is blessed by ture with unique gift of diverse agro-climatic conditions, vast bio-resources and zero polluted environment ebling to grow varieties of crops across the states, Rijiju said.

"Despite potential, the State has not been able to contribute much to the country's growing economy owing to low production and productivity. However, in the last few decades, the state has witnessed great progress in the production of kiwi, apple and oranges," the minister added.

He encouraged the farmers to take full advantage of the Mela to change their perspective towards agriculture and improve the economy of the farming community.

West Kameng DC A K Singh, emphasized to give special importance and to promote organic farming. He expressed his satisfaction on various demonstrations on Vermicomposting technology, efficient farm resource magement through different Integrated Farming System models.

Systematic displays of different varieties of apple, kiwi, walnut etc. along with exotic fruits like persimmon, avocado and medicil plants contributed by few remarkable progressive farmers of the region were special attraction of the occasion.

The Horticulture mela cum exhibition also provided ample opportunities for the farmers to interact and update their knowledge and skill through interaction with intellectuals from line departments like agriculture, horticulture, sericulture and ICAR-NRC on Yak, an official release said here today.