An international conclave is organized by APEDA and Arunachal Pradesh to promote food and agricultural exports from the Northeast
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in partnership with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang on Friday in an effort to significantly increase agricultural and processed food exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the larger North-Eastern Region (NER) of India. Over 200 local farmers, 17 Indian exporters from seven states and Union Territories, and 11 foreign buyers representing three nations—the UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan—participated in the event, demonstrating a thriving forum for economic engagement.
Together with Agriculture Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu and a number of other high-ranking government officials, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu served as the event’s Chief Guest. CM Khandu reiterated the state’s commitment to advancing women-led development, improving farmer livelihoods, strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and developing the agriculture and related sectors in his keynote address. He underlined the need of utilizing the export potential of produce bearing Geographical Indication (GI) tags, particularly to Southeast Asian and ASEAN markets, including Khaw Tai (Khamti) rice, Mandarin orange, kiwi, apple, persimmon, yak cheese (churpi), and more.
Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, the minister of agriculture, emphasized the importance of farmers developing their capacity in order to obtain higher prices in both domestic and international markets. He commended regional farmers for their commitment to growing high-quality fruit, including as kiwis, apples, walnuts, mandarin oranges, and value-added goods like wines.
Arunachal Pradesh is a “powerhouse of organic produce,” according to Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, who also reaffirmed the state’s emphasis on marketing a variety of exports, such as arecanut, huge cardamom, yak cheese, and persimmon. In addition to stressing APEDA’s role in assisting with infrastructure, training, branding, and international promotion of Arunachal’s agricultural products, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, IAS, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) for participation in national and international trade fairs.
