Wangsu visits ICAR’s NEH Research Hub to strengthen agricultural ties
UMIAM: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu held extensive deliberations with scientists and officials at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Complex for NEH Region here in Meghalaya on Thursday, focusing on technological interventions and future institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening agriculture and allied sectors in Arunachal.
The minister said that the discussions centred on addressing pressing challenges in agriculture through scientific innovation, research-based solutions and collaborative initiatives between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and ICAR institutions.
The delegation during discussions with the scientists sought technological and scientific solutions to various site specific issues including small machinery for land terracing and jhumland reclamation, citrus decline, and pollination issues in kiwi fruits. Training and capacity building collaborations under the ‘Catch Them Young’ programme of the agriculture & allied departments were also explored for promoting agri-business and entrepreneurship.
The meeting was attended by the director of the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, the director of the ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, senior scientists, and researchers and officials of the institute. The minister was accompanied by Agriculture Secretaries Samuel Changkija and Koj Rinya.
On the second day of the visit, Wangsu undertook an extensive tour of various research and demonstration facilities within the institute campus. He visited the all-India coordinated research project on pig, the animal and fisheries science division, the agro-processing centre, engineering section, farming system research project, technology demonstration under integrated farming system model, and the national innovation in climate resilient agriculture programme.
Wangsu interacted closely with scientists and technical experts during the tour, observing scientific innovations and modern farming technologies being developed for the Northeastern region.
The discussions focused on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming practices, integrated farming systems, livestock development, value addition, and technology-driven solutions to improve productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.
