In an effort to strengthen market connections for horticultural and agricultural goods in the state, the Arunachal Pradesh government launched Mission Arun Himveer on November 29. In front of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Agriculture Marketing Board and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, North East Frontier, signed an agreement that included the mission. The state government would provide the ITBP with meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables as part of the effort. Local farmers, farmer producer organizations, farmer cooperatives, and self-help groups (SHGs) will supply these product items.
This latest deal comes after a similar one with the Army in August 2022, when the state government provided the military with almost 400 tons of fruits and vegetables from local farmers valued at Rs 72 lakh through LAMPS (Liberalized Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies). The mission’s goal is to give farmers in isolated communities and areas with little marketable surplus access to readymade markets. Along with tackling the state’s unemployment issues, it also aims to boost a thriving local economy.
Khandu praised the board for the initiative and said he was hopeful that ITBP’s pledge to buy locally made products will greatly ease the difficulties faced by local farmers due to a lack of markets. He said that in addition to doubling farmers’ income, the project would improve relations between the border region’s residents and ITBP troops. “Under the vibrant village program, the Mission will also meet the current demand for marketing agri-horti products from the border districts,” he continued.
