Arunachal Pradesh: Minister Wangsu advocates for changes in Agricultural funding models

A Correspondent

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu urged the Union Government to reform the allocation of funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) at a meeting chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan.

Minister Wangsu argued that the current funding model, which primarily relies on population metrics, is detrimental to Arunachal Pradesh, given its vast land resources and unique agricultural challenges. He emphasized the need for a revised framework that considers the state’s specific needs and priorities.

Joining the meeting via video conference, Minister Wangsu presented a comprehensive case for the state, highlighting the need for a single-instalment disbursement model for CSS funds. He argued that the current four-instalment model hinders timely project implementation and hampers efficient resource utilization in a state with significant geographical challenges.

Addressing the prevalence of shifting cultivation, Minister Wangsu advocated for the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, including terrace farming, capacity building, and extension services. He emphasized the need to mitigate environmental degradation while enhancing agricultural productivity.

Minister Wangsu also raised concerns about the burden of farmer contributions under the PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop) scheme. He proposed reducing the farmer contribution from 45% to 15% to make the micro-irrigation programme more accessible, particularly for small and marginal farmers.

Recognizing the strategic importance of border areas, Minister Wangsu called for separate financial allocations under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) to ensure holistic agricultural development in these regions. He also highlighted the growing human-animal conflict and advocated for an integrated policy framework to address this issue. Minister Wangsu emphasized the importance of tuber crops like sweet potatoes, yams, and tapioca in the diets and economies of indigenous communities. He called for targeted efforts to promote their production, value addition, and marketing to enhance food security and economic resilience.

In the horticulture sector, Minister Wangsu expressed concerns over administrative delays caused by the merging of key schemes under the Krishonnati Yojana. He proposed granting functional autonomy to the horticulture division to expedite the implementation of schemes.

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