‘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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Arunachal Pradesh launches ‘Mission Himveer’ to boost local economy
Launch Date	December 1, 2024
Key Stakeholders	Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB), ITBP
Objectives	Boost market linkages, support Vibrant Village Programme, promote rural employment
Economic Impact	₹10 crore annual business; 100% payment to farmers; ₹4 crore revolving fund
Key Milestones	Previous supply of ₹72 lakh produce to Indian Army; Initial exchange in Tawang, Ziro, Aalo, etc.
Social Benefits	Reverse migration, improved ties with ITBP, women’s empowerment in rural areas
Implementation Method	Direct procurement by ITBP; APAMB manages payment through revolving fund
Future Goals	Expand markets, enhance rural economies, and integrate border regions