‘Agriculture sole base for state’s development’

Our Correspondent

Itanagar, May 20: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that agriculture is the sole base for sustainable development of Arunachal Pradesh.

Gracing the valedictory function of the two-day state conclave on 'Perspective Planning for Resurgent Agriculture & allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh' here Saturday evening, the union Minister of State for Home Affairs lauded the state government for conducting the conclave exclusively on agriculture and allied sector saying it was conducted at a right time.

He advocated to incorporate the outcome of the Conclave in government policy and to see that the farmers are benefitted from it, an official communiqué informed here today.

He said that government intervention is required for scientific cropping and to establish market linkages for the farmers citing that most of their produce which have increased after adopting scientific cultivation are bound to sell out either in very low prices or let their produce go waste due to absent of market linkages.

Rijiju also urged the bankers to reach out to all the stakeholders and called for coordination between the farmers and the experts to improve the bankers' credit flow. He cited that it is time to move to the districts and villages to improve their economy.

"Arunachal Pradesh is a sleeping giant with vast natural resources and to transform it into economy we need to work harder and adopt proper policies," he said adding, "With our potentials, we should have been the supplier of agricultural crops and foods to the rest of the country instead of being a consumer state".

While observing that agriculture growth of the state is more than the national average, he opined that our growth should actually be more than the present rate.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, in his deliberation said that the recommendation of the conclave would be incorporated in the next budget and assured that the state government would adopt an agriculture-based budget in the next year which will aim to improve farm economy.

He informed that a meeting would be convened by the Chief Secretary with the officers of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary and Fisheries departments to discuss and work out a road map for framing a viable policy for inclusive growth, the communiqué said.

During the two days conclave, brainstorming technical session on four major sub-topics viz enabling environment for development of agriculture & allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh; promotion of sustainable use of bamboo, sericulture, agriculture, value chain and agri-export; promotion of horticulture, spices and animal husbandry & fisheries sector were conducted by more than 60 scientists/subject-experts from across the country.

Over 800 participants including government officers, members of NGOs, SHGs and progressive farmers attended the conclave, the communiqué added.