‘Mission Himveer’: Empowering Arunachal’s Economy

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has launched Mission Arun Himveer to enhance market linkages for local agricultural and horticultural producers. In a significant move, the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), North East Frontier, in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Key Highlights of Mission Arun Himveer

Objectives

• Provide direct market access for local farmers, SHGs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives.
• Foster economic growth in rural and border regions.
• Solve employment challenges by promoting reverse migration to villages.
• Support the Vibrant Village Programme by addressing the demand for agricultural and horticultural products in border areas.

Features of the MoU

• ITBP will purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry directly from local farmers through APAMB.
• Payments will be processed via a revolving fund of ₹4 crore, reimbursed after reconciliation by ITBP.
• Farmers receive 100% of the funds from this initiative.

Milestones Achieved

• 400 tons of produce worth ₹72 lakhs were supplied to the Indian Army under a similar agreement in August 2022.
• Exchange of agricultural produce has already begun in regions like Tawang, Lower Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, and Lohit.

Economic Impact

• ₹10 crore annual business expected under the Mission.
• Encourages participation in farming, doubling farmers’ income.
• Strengthens women’s contribution to the rural economy, with over 1 lakh women involved in SHGs statewide.

Social and Strategic Benefits

• Strengthens relationships between border residents and ITBP forces.
• Promotes self-reliance and sustainability among farmers.
• Encourages reverse migration by creating rural employment opportunities.

Leadership and Participation

• MoU signed by APAMB CEO Okit Palling and ITBP NE Frontier Inspector General Akun Sabharwal.

• Ceremony attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary, and senior officers from agricultural and allied sectors.
• Deputy Commissioners, farmers, SHGs, and cooperatives participated virtually.

Future Goals

• Expand market access for remote villages with limited surplus.
• Integrate border regions into the state’s mainstream economy.
• Encourage innovation and diversification in farming practices.