Arunachal Pradesh Seeks Greater Central Support for Organic Agriculture

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Arunachal Pradesh sought timely central funding for seed-related programmes.
The state urged greater support for organic and bio-based farming initiatives.
Officials stressed the need for region-specific seeds suited to northeastern conditions.

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh has urged the Centre to strengthen support for agriculture and horticulture in the Northeast, with a particular focus on seed funding, organic farming and locally adapted crop varieties.

Speaking at the two-day national conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 in New Delhi, Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu said quality seeds remain the most important input for improving farm productivity and ensuring food security.

Focus on Seed Funding and Local Varieties

Wangsu called for the timely allocation and release of funds under seed-related programmes and sought the development of more certified seed varieties suited to the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Northeast.

He also stressed the importance of recognising indigenous germplasm, noting that locally adapted varieties often perform better than externally introduced seeds in the region.

The minister suggested encouraging local and regional companies to produce seeds tailored specifically for northeastern farming conditions.

Demand for Enhanced Farmer Support

Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in remote areas, Wangsu sought greater assistance under the Seed Village Programme and the Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP).

He said additional support is needed for infrastructure development, farmer training and seed distribution, while also seeking higher financial assistance to offset the cost of certified seeds.

The second-order effect of improved seed availability and targeted support could enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and increase farm incomes across remote northeastern regions.

Push for Organic Farming Initiatives

On sustainable agriculture, Wangsu said Arunachal Pradesh is largely “organic by default” and intends to expand the use of bio-based crop protection methods.

He proposed a dedicated Organic Bio-based Crop Protection Scheme under central programmes to support farmers adopting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

The minister said such measures would align with the Centre’s Mission Organic vision while helping promote long-term agricultural sustainability in the state.

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