Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Saturday, 25 July called for the large-scale adoption of modern scientific practices and advanced technologies in agriculture and horticulture, during a visit to the State Horticulture Farm at Shergaon in West Kameng district. The Governor stressed that horticulture and fisheries, developed in an integrated manner, could meaningfully raise rural incomes and reinforce food security across the state.

Governor's Visit to Shergaon Horticulture Farm

Interacting with farmers, horticulturists, and officials at the farm, Lt Gen Parnaik described agriculture and horticulture as 'powerful engines of economic growth, self-reliance and rural prosperity' — not merely occupations. He underscored the urgency of transferring scientific farming techniques and innovative cultivation methods from research institutions directly to villages, so that farmers — particularly the youth — can convert horticulture into a viable entrepreneurial venture.

The Governor also witnessed a live demonstration of drone technology being used for farm management and crop monitoring, describing such innovations as tools that could significantly improve agricultural productivity, optimise resource utilisation, and help farmers transition to sustainable practices.

Shergaon Farm: A Model for Scientific Horticulture

Kuru Ama, in-charge of the State Horticulture Farm, briefed the Governor that the Shergaon facility has established itself as a model institution for agricultural innovation in Arunachal Pradesh. According to Ama, the farm cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples, alongside plum, pear, chestnut, cherry, walnut, and persimmon. It also functions as a demonstration centre for quality planting materials, crop diversification, and scientific farming techniques aimed at boosting farmer incomes and encouraging youth entrepreneurship.

The Governor highlighted Arunachal Pradesh's favourable climate and abundant natural resources as ideal conditions for high-value temperate fruit cultivation, encouraging young people to view the sector as a space for innovation and value addition.

Trout Farm Review: Cold-Water Fisheries in Focus

Lt Gen Parnaik subsequently visited the Government Trout Hatching Farm at Shergaon, established in 1979, to review its contribution to cold-water fisheries development in the state. District Fishery Development Officer Pema Khandu Thungon informed the Governor that the farm, spread over one hectare, comprises 25 raceways and a hatchery, and produces approximately two metric tonnes of trout and 1.5 lakh trout seeds annually.

The farm generated revenue of ₹10.12 lakh during the 2025–26 financial year and is projected to earn more in the current year, according to the officer. Beyond commercial production, the facility has emerged as a tourist attraction and supplies quality trout seed to more than 60 local trout farmers in the region.

Integrated Development and the Viksit Bharat Vision

Observing that the integrated development of horticulture and fisheries could substantially enhance rural incomes, Lt Gen Parnaik called upon farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth to become active partners in the state's sustainable development and in the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He also advocated for the promotion of natural farming practices to improve soil health, preserve the environment, and increase farmers' incomes.

This comes amid a broader push by Arunachal Pradesh to leverage its ecological advantages for economic diversification beyond traditional agriculture, with the state's horticulture and cold-water fisheries sectors increasingly seen as high-potential growth corridors for rural communities.