Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu has sought stronger scientific and institutional support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to accelerate the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the state. Speaking at ICAR’s 97th Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, Wangsu highlighted three key priorities, including the preparation of a comprehensive, practical and time-bound Agriculture Policy and Roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh. He also reiterated the state’s proposal to establish an ICAR Central Kiwi Research Institute (CKRI), noting that Arunachal contributes nearly 60 percent of India’s kiwi production and that the crop is an important source of income in its temperate regions. Wangsu further requested approval for 10 additional Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in districts that currently lack coverage. Arunachal Pradesh currently has 17 KVKs, while proposals for 10 more have already been submitted. The minister stressed that the state’s vast geography, difficult terrain and dispersed farming communities require stronger last-mile delivery of agricultural research and technology. He said Arunachal views ICAR as a strategic knowledge partner in developing a sustainable, climate-resilient, technology-driven and farmer-centric agricultural economy.
