NEW DELHI, 18 Aug: Agriculture and horticulture minister Gabriel D. Wangsu on Tuesday sought stronger scientific and institutional support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to accelerate the development of agriculture and allied sectors in Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing the 97th Annual General Meeting of ICAR at Pusa, New Delhi, Wangsu placed three key priorities of the state before the council.

He sought stronger ICAR support for preparing a comprehensive Agriculture Policy and Roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh. Referring to union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's visit to the state on June 30, 2026, Wangsu said the preparation of a comprehensive agriculture roadmap had been emphasized during the visit. The responsibility for the exercise has subsequently been entrusted to the director of the ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region.

Wangsu requested that the exercise be expedited and made practical, time-bound and outcome-oriented.

He also reiterated the state's proposal for setting up an ICAR Central Kiwi Research Institute (CKRI) in Arunachal Pradesh. The proposal was earlier placed before the 96th ICAR Annual General Meeting.

Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's position in kiwi production, Wangsu said the state contributes nearly 60 percent of the country's kiwi production. He said kiwi has emerged as an important high-value horticultural crop, particularly in the temperate regions of the state.

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

He said the state's vast geographical spread, difficult terrain and dispersed farming communities make it necessary to ensure that agricultural research and technologies reach farmers at the last mile.

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

Wangsu said Arunachal Pradesh views ICAR as a strategic knowledge partner in building a sustainable, climate-resilient, technology-driven and farmer-centric agricultural economy.