Introduction
Arunachal Pradesh’s Agriculture and Horticulture Minister, Gabriel D. Wangsu, has called on the Central Government to revise its fund allocation strategy. He emphasizes that the state’s vast land resources and the socio-economic conditions of its farmers should be primary considerations, rather than solely population metrics.
Current Funding Challenges
During a virtual discussion on agricultural reforms, chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Wangsu highlighted the limitations of the existing funding model. He pointed out that the current system, which disburses funds in four installments, is impractical for Arunachal Pradesh due to its challenging geography. This phased approach often delays the timely implementation of agricultural projects, as farming activities cannot be left incomplete due to funding shortages.
Proposed Single-Installment Disbursement
To address these challenges, Wangsu proposed a single-installment disbursement model. This approach would facilitate seamless project execution and efficient resource utilization, ensuring that agricultural initiatives are completed without financial interruptions.
Advocating for Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Wangsu also addressed the traditional practice of shifting cultivation prevalent in the region. He urged the Centre to support sustainable alternatives such as terrace farming, capacity building, and extension services. These initiatives, he noted, would help mitigate environmental degradation while enhancing agricultural productivity.
Reducing Farmers’ Financial Burden
Another critical concern raised by Wangsu was the burden of farmers’ contributions under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) ‘Per Drop More Crop’ scheme. He proposed reducing the farmers’ contribution from 45% to 15% to make the micro-irrigation program more accessible, especially for small and marginal farmers.
Strategic Importance and Additional Allocations
Highlighting the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh along the India-China border, Wangsu called for separate financial allocations under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP). This would ensure holistic agricultural development in these remote and sensitive areas.
Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflicts
The minister also brought attention to the growing human-animal conflicts in the state, which pose significant challenges to agriculture and livelihoods. He advocated for an integrated policy framework that combines land-use planning, agricultural strategies, and wildlife conservation to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Enhancing the Horticulture Sector
Wangsu emphasized the need for enhanced financial allocations for the horticulture sector, which holds immense ecological and economic potential for Arunachal Pradesh. He stated that the growth of horticulture is vital for the state’s sustainable development and requires focused investment.
Conclusion
Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu’s proposals underscore the necessity for a more tailored approach to fund allocation that considers Arunachal Pradesh’s unique geographical and socio-economic landscape. By implementing these reforms, the state aims to achieve sustainable agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of its farmers.
