‘Mission Himveer’: Empowering Arunachal’s Economy (GS Paper 2, Agriculture)
Context
- The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has launched Mission Arun Himveer, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing market linkages for local agricultural and horticultural producers.
- The mission is part of the state's broader strategy to promote economic growth, address employment challenges, and improve rural livelihoods, particularly in border regions.
Key Highlights of Mission Arun Himveer
Objectives:
- Direct Market Access: The mission aims to provide local farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives with direct access to markets.
- Economic Growth: Focuses on boosting economic development in rural and border areas by enhancing the availability and demand for agricultural and horticultural products.
- Reverse Migration: The initiative seeks to solve employment challenges by encouraging reverse migration, bringing people back to rural areas through employment opportunities.
- Support to the Vibrant Village Programme: The mission is aligned with the government’s broader goals under the Vibrant Village Programme, addressing demand for locally produced goods in border areas.
Features of the MoU with ITBP:
A significant milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), facilitating the purchase of agricultural produce from local farmers.
- Direct Purchase by ITBP: ITBP will buy products like fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry directly from farmers through the APAMB.
- Revolving Fund of ₹4 Crore: A revolving fund will be set up for payments, which will be reimbursed after reconciliation by ITBP. This ensures farmers receive 100% of the funds from the transaction.
Milestones Achieved:
- 400 tons of Produce Supplied: Under a similar agreement with the Indian Army in August 2022, 400 tons of produce, valued at ₹72 lakhs, were successfully delivered.
- Initial Exchanges Started: Agricultural produce exchanges have already commenced in regions like Tawang, Lower Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, and Lohit.
Economic Impact:
- Annual Business Estimate: The mission is expected to generate an annual business of ₹10 crore, contributing significantly to the local economy.
- Doubling Farmers’ Income: The initiative is designed to boost farmers' income, potentially doubling it by improving market access and demand for local produce.
- Empowering Women: Over 1 lakh women are involved in SHGs across the state, strengthening their contribution to the rural economy.
Social and Strategic Benefits:
- Strengthening Border Relations: The mission is also a strategic move to foster stronger ties between border residents and the ITBP forces, contributing to national security and community welfare.
- Promoting Self-Reliance: It encourages self-reliance among local farmers by creating sustainable economic opportunities.
- Encouraging Reverse Migration: By generating rural employment, the mission aims to mitigate urban migration and promote rural development.
Leadership and Participation:
- The MoU was signed by APAMB CEO Okit Palling and ITBP NE Frontier Inspector General Akun Sabharwal.
- The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary, and senior officials from the agricultural and allied sectors, with farmers, SHGs, and cooperatives participating virtually.
Future Goals and Aspirations:
- Expanding Market Access: The mission aims to expand market access for remote villages with limited surplus produce.
- Integration of Border Regions: A key objective is to bring border regions into the state’s mainstream economy, ensuring they are well-connected with the broader market.
- Encouraging Agricultural Innovation: The mission also seeks to foster innovation and diversification in farming practices, improving sustainability and production efficiency.
Conclusion:
- Mission Arun Himveer represents a major step forward in empowering Arunachal Pradesh’s economy, particularly in its rural and border regions.
- By facilitating direct market access, promoting reverse migration, and supporting economic growth in these areas, the initiative is set to transform local agriculture into a more resilient and sustainable sector.
- With strong collaboration between the state government, ITBP, and local communities, the mission holds significant promise for the state's long-term economic and social development.
