Itanagar, July 25 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Saturday stressed the need to adopt modern scientific practices and advanced technologies in agriculture and horticulture to enhance farmers’ incomes, generate rural employment and encourage youth entrepreneurship.

During a visit to the State Horticulture Farm at Shergaon in West Kameng district, the Governor lauded the efforts of the farm management in promoting scientific horticulture and sustaining high-quality fruit cultivation in the region.

Interacting with farmers, horticulturists and officials, Lt Gen Parnaik said agriculture and horticulture are not merely occupations but powerful engines of economic growth, self-reliance and rural prosperity. He underscored the importance of transferring scientific farming techniques, innovative cultivation methods and advanced technologies from research institutions to villages so that farmers, particularly the youth, can transform horticulture into a profitable entrepreneurial venture.

Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential in the horticulture sector, the Governor said the state’s favourable climate and abundant natural resources provide ideal conditions for cultivating high-value temperate fruits. He encouraged young people to view horticulture not only as a means of livelihood but also as a sector offering opportunities for innovation, value addition and employment generation.

The Governor also witnessed a demonstration of modern scientific practices, including the use of drone technology for farm management and crop monitoring. He said such innovations could significantly improve agricultural productivity, optimise resource utilisation and help farmers adopt efficient and sustainable farming practices.

In-charge of the State Horticulture Farm, Kuru Ama, informed the Governor that the Shergaon farm has emerged as a model institution for scientific horticulture and agricultural innovation in Arunachal Pradesh. According to him, the farm cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples besides plum, pear, chestnut, cherry, walnut and persimmon. It also serves as a demonstration centre for improved horticultural practices, quality planting materials, crop diversification and scientific farming techniques aimed at enhancing farmers’ productivity and income while promoting youth entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture.

Later, the Governor visited the Government Trout Hatching Farm at Shergaon, established in 1979, where he reviewed its role in promoting cold-water fisheries in the state.

Observing that integrated development of horticulture and fisheries could substantially enhance rural incomes and strengthen food security, Lt Gen Parnaik said such initiatives would contribute significantly to building a self-reliant and prosperous Arunachal Pradesh. He called upon farmers, entrepreneurs and youth to take advantage of these opportunities and become active partners in the state’s sustainable development and the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

He also advocated the promotion of natural farming practices to improve soil health, preserve the environment and increase farmers’ incomes.

District Fishery Development Officer Pema Khandu Thungon informed the Governor that the Government Trout Farm, spread over one hectare, comprises 25 raceways and a hatchery and produces around two metric tonnes of trout and 1.5 lakh trout seeds annually. The official said the farm generated revenue of Rs 10.12 lakh during the 2025–26 financial year and is expected to earn more this year.

Besides functioning as a commercial fish production centre, it has also emerged as a tourist attraction and provides quality trout seed to over 60 local trout farmers in the region, he added.

–IANS

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