Arunachal’s Agri-Allied Sector Drives Rural Transformation and Sustainability

Arunachal Pradesh, a state long defined by its biodiversity and rural traditions, is now witnessing a rapid transformation across agriculture and allied sectors. Under Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s stewardship, the state government is rolling out bundled innovations and investments that boost rural incomes, food security, and environmental stewardship.

Central to this growth is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme, which has transferred ₹142.67 crore directly to nearly 99,656 farmers, empowering households and encouraging reinvestment in fields and small enterprises. By prioritising direct benefits, the government is helping farmers reduce reliance on informal credit, streamline cash flow, and make essential investments in seed, fertiliser, or technology.

Soil health has received special attention. Over 102,295 farmers have been issued soil health cards, allowing them to tailor crop selection, fertiliser application, and irrigation practices to real-time local conditions. This scientific approach is improving yields and curbing unnecessary input use, contributing to both sustainability and profitability.

Water use innovation under PM-Per Drop More Crop has expanded micro-irrigation to 26,163 hectares and benefited more than 5,658 farmers. With monsoon irregularities on the rise, efficient irrigation is essential for stable production and climate resilience. Modern irrigation technology ensures optimal water use and brings previously marginal or rainfed plots into productive rotation.

Arunachal’s commitment to chemical-free farming is clear in its Mission Organic Value Chain Development Project, which has already aided 15,099 farmers and distributed ₹23.25 crore to support organic conversion, certification, and market linkages. Organic produce now commands premium prices in regional markets, and wide adoption is restoring soil health in areas historically strained by resource extraction or shifting cultivation.

Financial inclusion remains a top priority; 96,492 Kisan Credit Cards have been issued, hitting a remarkable 99.26 percent saturation rate. Ready access to low-interest credit allows farmers to manage risk, invest in new business lines, and escape debt traps tied to informal lending.

Modernisation is happening rapidly in farm practices and the mechanisation of tough, manual tasks. Over the past nine years, the government has distributed 42,418 modern farm tools, bringing down drudgery and boosting efficiency for small and medium-size farm holdings. Adoption of smart implements, combined with targeted training, is helping farmers scale up productivity.

This momentum is driving sectoral change across Arunachal—a state now being recognised for agricultural innovation in the Northeast. From crop to credit, tools to technology, new rural prosperity is fuelling better nutrition, higher household savings, and increasing resilience in the face of natural disasters.

As Arunachal’s agri-allied sector moves ahead, policies remain focused on sustainable long-term growth, environmental health, and market-led approaches that can be replicated in other remote Indian states.