Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu has sought stronger scientific and institutional support from the ICAR to develop agriculture and allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh.

He sought ICAR support for preparing a comprehensive agriculture policy and roadmap for the state which is practical, time-bound and outcome-oriented.

The minister also sought 10 additional Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in districts that currently remain uncovered.

Arunachal currently has 17 KVKs, while proposals for 10 new KVKs have already been submitted to ICAR-ATARI, Guwahati.

The proposal for a central kiwi research institute also deserves attention, given the state's significant share in the country's kiwi production. Arunachal contributes nearly 60 per cent of the country's kiwi production. At the same time, more KVKs are needed to take research and technology closer to farmers, particularly in the state's remote and difficult areas.