Interaction Meet with Agriculture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Held at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam

20–21 May 2026, Arunachal Pradesh

An interaction meet was organised during 20–21 May 2026 at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, with Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, along with Shri Samuel Changkija, IFS, Secretary, Agriculture, and Smti Koj Rinya, IFS, Secretary, Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

During the interaction, the Minister emphasised the importance of utilising social media platforms for disseminating scientific agricultural information to farmers residing in remote areas. He highlighted that communication in local languages would significantly improve outreach and understanding among farming communities. Stressing the changing dynamics of the agricultural sector, he remarked that the focus should now move towards “lab to land to market.” He also underlined the need to attract rural youth towards agriculture by promoting village-level agri-based enterprises.

The Minister also visited the research farm of the institute to gain insights into the ongoing research activities and discussed the importance of balanced fertiliser use in sustainable agriculture.

Shri Samuel, emphasised the need to translate scientific and technological knowledge into simple and understandable language for greater acceptance among farmers. He observed that while progressive farmers are performing well, focused efforts are needed to bring the “backbenchers” of the farming community to the forefront through appropriate technological interventions.

Smti Koj Rinya, expressed concern over the decline in orange and kiwi production in Arunachal Pradesh and requested scientific interventions and appropriate technological solutions to address the issue.

Dr A.K. Mohanty, Director, ATARI Zone-VII, Umiam, suggested that relevant technologies should be incorporated into the action plans of state governments to enhance technology adoption and livelihood generation among farmers.

Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR RC NEH, Umiam, highlighted the various research and outreach activities undertaken by the institute across all seven states of the North Eastern Hill region. He assured the Minister that the institute would address changing climatic conditions and other agricultural challenges through a project-based approach to provide practical solutions for the farming community.

The agricultural challenges and issues related to Arunachal Pradesh raised during the interaction were addressed by the concerned scientists of the institute.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya)