Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday, 1 July affirmed that the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh government are working in close coordination to address the state's severe flood crisis, following a two-day ground and aerial assessment of the damage.

Aerial Survey and Field Review

Chouhan, accompanied by Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, conducted an aerial survey of flood-ravaged areas in Kayi Panyor district and other parts of the state. A detailed review of relief operations was subsequently held in Pasighat, attended by state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kaling Moyong and senior officials.

On Tuesday evening, the three leaders also visited flood-affected villages by road and met directly with displaced and affected residents. 'In this hour of crisis, the Central and state governments stand firmly committed alongside the people,' Chouhan stated.

What the Centre Has Said

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Chouhan said that for the past two days, they had been continuously among flood-affected communities. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre stood 'shoulder to shoulder with every affected family.'

He expressed confidence that the difficult period would pass, and pledged that every possible effort for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction would be undertaken with complete sensitivity and commitment. He highlighted a notable instance of community resilience in Boing village, where children, youth and residents collectively built a protection wall to prevent future inundation. 'We too contributed our labour alongside them. The government is carrying out relief and rehabilitation efforts with full commitment, but this societal participation is our greatest strength,' Chouhan said.

Meeting with the Governor

Chouhan, who also holds the Rural Development portfolio, called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar. Their discussions covered recent flood damage, as well as longer-term priorities including strengthening irrigation, connectivity and rural infrastructure, promotion of organic farming and high-value crops, skill development, agri-technology and market linkages.

Governor Parnaik apprised the Union Minister of the extensive damage caused by floods across several districts and sought continued Central support for relief, rehabilitation and restoration of essential infrastructure and livelihoods. He underscored Arunachal Pradesh's potential as a hub for sustainable, high-value agriculture and called for support for certified organic clusters, subsidies for natural farming, branding of 'Organic Arunachal' products at national and global levels, and assistance through institutions such as ICAR and NABARD. Chouhan assured the Governor of the Centre's full support for the state's development and agricultural growth.

On the Ground: Damage and Community Response

Homes have been destroyed and crops washed away across multiple districts, according to official accounts. Yet, as Chouhan noted, community resolve has remained intact — with residents in at least one village taking collective action to protect against further flood damage. The Union Minister also planted a sapling of the Bokul tree — a species valued for its fragrant flowers, evergreen nature and ecological significance — as part of a practice observed by visiting dignitaries to the state.

What Happens Next

With the Centre's assessment visit concluded, attention now shifts to the pace and scale of disbursement for relief and reconstruction. The discussions in Itanagar signal that agricultural rehabilitation — not just infrastructure — will be a priority in the recovery plan. The road ahead for Arunachal Pradesh involves not only rebuilding homes and restoring connectivity, but also leveraging the crisis as a catalyst for climate-resilient farming and rural economic diversification.