What if the most promising career option in Arunachal Pradesh isn’t a government job — but a farm? That question is quietly gaining traction across the state, and one woman in Lower Siang district is living proof that the land itself can pay.
The Woman Behind the Farm
Dajum Kena, wife of former minister late Jomde Kena, runs a dragon fruit plantation in Likabali, the headquarters of Lower Siang district. She started the plantation in November 2024 and was harvesting fruit within a year — a turnaround that surprised many who assumed high-value horticulture was only for large-scale commercial outfits. It wasn’t. It was for someone with the right vision and the will to back it up with real work.
What’s striking is how naturally the market responded. Speaking to DD News Arunachal, Kena said that marketing the produce has not been a major challenge, with customers often booking the dragon fruit in advance. Pre-booked harvests. That’s not just farming — that’s a business model.
More Than a Farm — A Message
Kena hasn’t kept this success to herself. Her farm has attracted visitors from different parts of the state, turning it into a visible example of how innovative farming can become a viable entrepreneurial venture. People are watching. And learning.
She has also been vocal about what she believes the state’s young generation needs to hear. She encouraged young people to look beyond conventional government jobs and explore opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors. That’s a bold message in a state where a sarkari job is still seen by many families as the finish line. But the numbers don’t lie — dragon fruit sells, and it sells fast.
Government Takes Note
The story hasn’t gone unnoticed at the top. Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein welcomed Kena’s initiative, calling her an “agripreneur” and saying such efforts demonstrate the real potential of agriculture and horticulture in the state.
Mein said initiatives like Kena’s could inspire the state’s youth to consider entrepreneurship in agriculture rather than depending solely on government employment. He also assured that the state government remains committed to supporting farmers through improved infrastructure, technical assistance, market linkages, and value addition. Words are one thing — but the political acknowledgment of an agripreneur by name signals something worth paying attention to.
Why Dragon Fruit, Why Now
The success of dragon fruit cultivation in Likabali comes as Arunachal Pradesh looks to diversify its agricultural economy. The crop’s relatively low investment requirements, higher returns, and growing market demand make it an attractive option for farmers seeking alternative income sources.
This isn’t just one farmer’s win. It’s a signal that the northeast’s fertile hills and valleys might hold far more economic power than the region has ever given itself credit for. Dajum Kena didn’t wait for a policy — she planted, she grew, and the market came to her. That, more than any government scheme, might be the most inspiring part of this story.
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