SHERGAON, 25 Jul: Governor KT Parnaik visited the State Horticulture Farm here in West Kameng district on Saturday, and commended the dedicated efforts of the farm management in promoting scientific horticulture and sustaining high-quality fruit cultivation in the region.
Interacting with farmers, horticulturists and officials, the governor said that agriculture and horticulture are not merely occupations but powerful instruments for economic growth, self-reliance and rural prosperity.
He emphasised the need to transfer modern scientific methods, innovative farming practices and advanced technologies from research farms to villages, “so that farmers, particularly the youths, can transform horticulture into a profitable entrepreneurial venture.”
Highlighting the immense potential of Arunachal Pradesh in the horticulture sector, the governor said that the state’s favourable climate and rich natural resources provide ideal conditions for cultivating high-value temperate fruits. He encouraged young people to view horticulture not only as a source of livelihood but also as an avenue for innovation, value addition and employment generation.
State Horticulture Farm in-charge Kuru Ama informed that the horticulture farm is “a model institution for scientific horticulture and agricultural innovation in Arunachal.”
Benefitting from the region’s favourable climate, the farm cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples along with plum, pear, chestnut, cherry, walnut, and persimmon, showcasing the immense potential of temperate fruit cultivation. Serving as a centre for demonstration and dissemination of improved horticultural practices, it promotes quality planting materials, crop diversification, and scientific farming techniques. “The farm plays a vital role in enhancing farmers’ productivity and income while encouraging youth entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural prosperity,” he informed.
The use of modern scientific methods in horticulture, including drone technology for farm management and crop monitoring, was demonstrated at the state farm on the occasion. The demonstration highlighted how innovative technologies can enhance agricultural productivity, optimise resource utilisation, and support farmers in adopting efficient and sustainable farming practices.
The governor also visited the trout hatching farm here, which was established in 1979 and produces trout ova and supports cold-water fisheries in the region. P arnaik observed that “integrated development of horticulture and fisheries can significantly enhance rural incomes, strengthen food security and contribute to the vision of a self-reliant and prosperous Arunachal Pradesh.”
The governor called upon farmers, entrepreneurs and youths to harness these opportunities and become active partners in the state’s journey towards sustainable development and Viksit Bharat 2047. Highlighting the immense agricultural potential of the region, he encouraged the promotion of natural farming practices, “which can enhance sustainability, improve soil health, and increase farmers’ incomes while preserving the environment.”
District Fisheries Development Officer Pema Khandu Thungon informed the governor that the government trout farm serves as a pioneering centre for trout farming, quality seed production, and demonstration of scientific fish culture practices.
Spread across one hectare, the farm comprises 25 raceways and a hatchery, producing around 2 metric tonnes of trout and 1.5 lakh trout seeds annually. Operating on a commercial scale, it supplies fish throughout the year and distributes seeds during March and April. In FY 2025-26, the farm generated revenue of Rs 10.12 lakh, with higher earnings projected this year. The farm also serves as a major tourist attraction, and is a vital support centre for more than 60 local trout farmers who depend on it for quality trout seed, the DFDO said. (Lok Bhavan)
