Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], November 30 (HBTV): The Arunachal Pradesh government launched 'Mission Arun Himveer' to enhance market access for agri-horti producers in the state. The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), North East Frontier, in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Under the agreement signed on Friday, the state government will supply fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry products sourced from local farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and cooperatives through APAMB to the ITBP.

This follows a similar agreement with the Indian Army in August 2022. Since then, approximately 400 tons of fruits and vegetables worth INR 72 lakhs have been procured from indigenous farmers for supply to the Army.

Goals and Impact of 'Mission Arun Himveer'The initiative aims to:

• Provide ready markets for farmers in remote villages and areas with limited surplus.
• Strengthen the rural economy and address unemployment.
• Foster reverse migration by encouraging people to return to farming.

Chief Minister Khandu congratulated APAMB and expressed optimism about the mission's potential to resolve market access issues for local farmers. He emphasized that the initiative would encourage farming, particularly in border districts, by ensuring a consistent market for produce.

'We have enough land and favorable weather for diverse horticultural and agricultural products, but farmers lacked market opportunities. This initiative will address that challenge,' Khandu said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the role of women in the rural economy, noting that over one lakh women in the state are currently involved in SHGs.

Operational Details

• ITBP will procure produce directly from farmers, with payments facilitated by APAMB through a revolving fund of INR 4 crore provided by the state government.
• Funds will be reimbursed to APAMB after reconciliation by ITBP.
• Farmers are expected to earn over INR 10 crore annually through the program.

The MoU was signed by APAMB CEO Okit Palling and ITBP NE Frontier Inspector General Akun Sabharwal.

Launch CeremonyDeputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary, agriculture officials, and senior ITBP officers attended the ceremony. Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu joined virtually. Deputy Commissioners, district officials, farmers, SHG members, and FPO representatives participated virtually.

Agricultural produce was exchanged between ITBP and farmers at various locations, including Jang (Tawang), Ziro (Lower Subansiri), Aalo (West Siang), Tuting (Upper Siang), and Tezu (Lohit), to mark the launch.

(ANI)