In a heartening step toward boosting agricultural growth and empowering local farmers in the Northeast, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet in the serene town of Tawang. The event, held at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall, brought together a vibrant mix of stakeholders, including international buyers, Indian exporters, and more than 200 dedicated farmers, to explore new opportunities in agricultural and processed food exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Northeast region.
The conclave resonated with a shared sense of optimism and commitment. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in his address, reaffirmed the state’s vision to transform agriculture and allied sectors into pillars of economic strength. He highlighted the importance of uplifting farmers, empowering Self-Help Groups—especially women-led ones—and promoting the region’s unique and high-quality produce such as the GI-tagged Khaw Tai (Khamti) rice, mandarin oranges, kiwi, apples, yak cheese (Churpi), and persimmons. His call to domestic and international buyers to invest in the state’s untapped agri-potential was a sincere appeal rooted in both pride and hope.
Echoing this sentiment, Agriculture Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu emphasized the need to create awareness and build capacity among farmers to ensure they receive fair value for their produce. His appreciation for the farmers’ tireless efforts, particularly in cultivating premium fruits like kiwi, apples, and walnuts, and in producing value-added items such as wine, reflected genuine respect for those who form the backbone of the state’s economy.
The gathering was enriched by the presence of senior officials including Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, Former Union Secretary Siraj Hussain, and APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev. The Chairman stressed the importance of integrating Arunachal’s farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with national and international markets through trade fairs, infrastructure support, and targeted export strategies. His assurance of continued collaboration between APEDA and the state government to build capacities, enhance branding, and promote the state’s agri-products on global platforms brought a sense of reassurance to the participants.
The event created a valuable space for direct interactions between 11 buyers from countries like the UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan, and 17 exporters from across India, including states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, and West Bengal. These exchanges allowed more than 200 farmers and over 50 FPOs from Arunachal Pradesh to showcase their produce and understand market expectations—bridging the often-wide gap between growers and global markets.
As meaningful conversations unfolded among policymakers, industry leaders, and grassroots stakeholders, the conclave emerged not just as a trade event, but as a hopeful step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit North East.” With coordinated efforts from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region, and APEDA, this initiative marked a powerful moment of alignment between national vision and local aspirations.
For a region known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this meet reaffirmed that its fertile land and hardworking people also hold the promise of becoming key contributors to India’s agricultural export success story.
