ITANAGAR, May 18:
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sought the Centre’s support for a full-fledged Agriculture University and a Centre of Excellence for Horticulture to be established in Arunachal. Khandu conveyed this to Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Sudharshan Bhagat who called on him at his office on Thursday.
Stating that technological support in agriculture and horticulture is crucial to boost farm output, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to consider for a full-fledged Agriculture University and a Centre of Excellence for Horticulture in Arunachal.
On development of Animal Husbandry in Arunachal, Khandu requested for a Pig Research Centre in Arunachal to support pig rearing.
Similar to a Yak Research Centre set up in West Kameng district, Khandu requested for a National Research Centre for Mithun, informing that the animal holds traditional value among locals. While reasoning that Arunachal has largest population of Mithun in the country, CM said that NRC for Mithun will multiply its population while its preservation would also be taken care of.
Chief Minister further informed the visiting Union Minister that Arunachal has started its mission to make the state fully organic, which is as per the initiative of PM Narendra Modi to make the states go organic. Launched this year on April 15 last, the state government has set the target of three years to achieve the goal, informed the CM.
The Union Minister assured to look into the requests and promised to offer all support for its fulfillment. He has asked the state government to submit detail proposals to the Centre for consideration. He appreciated the peaceful nature of Arunachalee people and expressed happiness at his visit.
The meeting was also attended by Home Minister Kumar Waii, Education Minister Honchun Ngandam, Minister Vety Animal Husbandry, Dr Mohesh Chai and Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin.