Itanagar, May 30: Arunachal Pradesh has urged the Centre to strengthen support for the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the Northeast, with a focus on timely seed funding, infrastructure development and the expansion of organic farming initiatives.
The demand was raised by Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu during the two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 held in New Delhi, according to an official statement.
Addressing the conference, Wangsu underscored the importance of quality seeds in boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. He called for the timely allocation and release of funds under seed-related programmes and advocated the development of more certified seed varieties suited to the agro-climatic conditions of the northeastern region.
The minister also stressed the need to recognise and promote indigenous germplasm adapted to local conditions, noting that traditional seed varieties often perform better than externally introduced alternatives. He proposed encouraging and empanelling local and regional companies to produce seeds tailored to the Northeast’s unique agricultural requirements.
Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in remote and difficult terrain, Wangsu sought enhanced support under the Seed Village Programme and the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP). He emphasised the need for greater investment in infrastructure, farmer training and seed distribution systems.
The minister further called for increased financial assistance to farmers, stating that the high cost of certified seeds and limited purchasing capacity continue to pose major challenges in several northeastern states.
On sustainable agriculture, Wangsu said Arunachal Pradesh is “largely organic by default” and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting bio-based crop protection measures in line with the Centre’s Mission Organic vision.
He also proposed the introduction of a dedicated Organic Bio-based Crop Protection Scheme under central government programmes to support environmentally sustainable farming practices and strengthen organic agriculture across the region.
The recommendations were presented as part of the state’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen farmer support mechanisms and advance sustainable farming practices in the Northeast.
