New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Wednesday met DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi, where the two leaders discussed strengthening key sectors, particularly sports infrastructure and agro-horticulture, to accelerate development by empowering youth across the state.​

Both the Governor and the Minister for Development of North Eastern Region emphasised the importance of leveraging Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural strengths to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth while creating new opportunities for local communities.​

During the meeting, Lt Gen Parnaik sought the DoNER Minister’s support for the development of a dedicated football stadium in the state capital. ​

He also proposed the establishment of an Integrated Sports Complex and State Sports Academies in the western and eastern regions of Arunachal Pradesh to nurture sporting talent and improve training facilities.​

Highlighting the immense potential of the state’s youth in sports and games, the Governor underlined the need for modern, accessible, and well-equipped sporting infrastructure to promote excellence. ​

He further stressed the importance of developing adequate sports facilities within higher education institutions to encourage broader participation and provide young athletes with competitive exposure.​

On the agro-horticulture front, Lt Gen Parnaik pointed to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing prominence in kiwi cultivation, describing it as a unique agricultural strength of the state. ​

He urged the expeditious approval of the proposal titled ‘Kiwi as USP in Arunachal Pradesh’ under the North Eastern Council, which aims to enhance production, promote value addition, and strengthen market linkages for farmers.​

In addition, the Governor advocated the establishment of an Integrated Pack House at the Shergaon Horticulture Farm in West Kameng district. The proposed facility would be equipped with solar-based cold storage systems to improve post-harvest management, minimise losses, and significantly boost farmers’ incomes.​

Reiterating the importance of such infrastructure, he said it would play a crucial role in strengthening the agricultural value chain and ensuring better returns for growers in the region.​

Taking to his official X account, DoNER Minister Scindia said he had an insightful interaction on Arunachal Pradesh’s development trajectory, focusing on strengthening connectivity, unlocking sustainable growth, and advancing inclusive border-area development aligned with national priorities.​

–IANS

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