ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Apr 26:In an effort to boost the spices production in the state, Union minister for Commerce & Industry,   Nirmala Sitharaman formally inaugurated the Spices Farmers Producers Companies (SFPCs) proposed to be established at the major spice-growing districts of  Ziro and Namsai on pilot basis.

Under the said project the progressive spice farmers will be identified on cluster basis in district, village or block level. The SFPCs will facilitate farmers in getting remunerative prices for their produce through post harvest management, primary processing, value addition, packaging, aggregation and organic certification with proper channels through regulated markets.

While addressing the gathering at the “One Day Buyer and Seller Meet” held today at state banquet hall , Nirmala Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under Act East policy,  is keen to make organic farming one of the major drivers of economic and social development in North East and Arunachal in particular.

However she emphasized that the success of the project will require new approaches and innovations, as well as collaboration between the private sector and other stakeholders in the food chain.

Acknowledging the potential of Arunachal in Agri & Horti sector, she said that farmers of Arunachal use negligible amounts of fertilizers and pesticides in their farm which makes them suitable for quick conversion to organic farming while sustaining the environment of the State.

Further, she pointed out that the state can only achieve the tag of “organic” if competencies of diverse organizations and stakeholders are synergized by creating better alignment through partnership platforms.

She also urged upon the state government in particular and concern ministers to encourage diversification through contract systems either to Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency & Spices Board as a strategy to provide need based marketing opportunities to buyers, farmers and producers.

Citing the example of Assam, who regularly every month conducts review meeting to boost marketing plans and programs to develop spices production, the union minister exhorted the Arunachal government to learn some lesson from its neighbour and exhorted them to hold regular meetings. ‘Even if there is no countable industry in the state also, so that the Centre can provide the required assistance and support to Arunachal,’ she asserted.

Terming capacity building and skill development of grassroots level functional coordinators as extremely important, she requested the government to form a committee that will undergo a training or exposure tour provided under the ministry to other states to see and replicate how they are creating market, providing necessary impetus and opportunity for their farmers to generate economic growth and gainful employment.

Speaking on the occasion, MoS , Kiren Rijiju informed that  that lack of assured market has been one of the most difficult issues faced by the farmers as they do not have required marketing skills resulting in exploitation by the middle men since long.

 Rijiju opined that with the help of pilot project under company act would facilitate holistic development of the small and marginal producers & farmers and for long term sustainability of the rural agricultural ecosystem of the state.

 He further hoped that the meet will lead to fruitful interaction among all the participants and create an enabling environment for marketing organic products of the state to the outside world.

Dwelling on the various issues and problems related to farming sector in tribal areas like Arunachal, Minister for Commerce & Industry, Tamiyo Taga admitted that the Organic farming especially Hort & Agri farming is progressing at snail pace in the state.

Taga pointed out that the saplings or any other crops cultivated are highly prone to get damage by wild and domestic animals specially “Mithuns” also regarded a symbol of prestige and wealth in the tribal customs.

He opined that providing fencing facilities shall help the farmers to protect their farms from getting destroyed by Mithuns and sought intervention of Ministry in the matter. Taga, a practitioner of organic farming himself, said reason for discouragement among farmers is the lack of market avenues because of which farmers suffer huge loss. He also hoped that imports from other states will be banned after Arunachal is declared as an organic state.

Minister Agriculture Wangki Lowang, requested the Commerce Minister to open up more field offices of Spice Board in remaining parts of Arunachal Pradesh to encourage and guide the farmers. This will distract them from Jhum cultivation, he reasoned also stressing on proper marketing as the ‘need of the hour’. He also requested the Spice Board to organize Buyers Sellers meet frequently for opening up marketing avenues.

Lowang requested the central government to open more trade points. ‘Currently, there is only one at Nampong with Myanmar. This will result in the economic development of the state, apart from keeping the youth focused,’ he asserted.

Scores of NGOs, Producers, spice Farmers  buyers attended the meet, besides a exhibition of featured major spices of indigenous varieties such as ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, Bhut Jolokia, large cinnamon and black pepper was also organized.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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