Spices cultivation can be a sustainable income source: Minister Nyato Dukam

OUR CORESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Commerce and Industry Minister Nyato Dukam Thursday said that cultivating spices can become a sustainable income generating endeavour in the state, if pursued with dedication.

Addressing a buyer-seller meet for spices at DK Convention Hall here, he expressed concern that some farmers focus solely on government subsidies rather than building a sustainable income source.

The minister advised the farmers to engage in farming activities to realize the true potential of the state’s rich spice diversity.

Emphasising the importance of platforms like the buyer-seller meet in enabling farmers to understand market expectations, build networks and adopt value-enhancing practices, Dukam urged sellers to make the most of this platform.

“This event is a remarkable opportunity to forge fruitful collaborations, build long-term partnerships, and ensure mutual growth for all stakeholders,” he said.

Impressed by the huge turnout, Dukam asked farmers to take up spice farming as a sustainable livelihood, while assuring all assistance from the Spice Board and the state government including providing subsidies, training and market linkages.

He praised the Spice Board, Itanagar for organizing the meet and suggested adopting a hand-holding approach for local farmers.

The minister recommended providing continuous farming guidance, value addition techniques, and ensuring market connectivity to strengthen the spice farming sector.

Earlier, Regional Spice Board deputy director Dr D M Barman, in his address, highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s significant contribution to spice cultivation.

He informed that the state is the second-largest cultivator of large cardamom in India, after Sikkim.

Dr Barman also outlined the proactive steps taken by the Centre and the Spice Board to support spice stakeholders in Arunachal Pradesh and the north-eastern region. These include replanting and new planting schemes for large cardamom, nursery promotion schemes, and quality improvement training programs for various spices, etc.

Over 80 sellers (farmers) from across the state and 10 buyers (firms) from different parts of the country participated in the event organized by the Spice Board, under the aegis of the union Commerce and Industry ministry.

The meet served as a dynamic platform to connect Arunachal’s spice growers with buyers from across the country, paving the way for greater market access and enhanced economic opportunities for local farmers.

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