ITANAGAR, Sep 05: The Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and RC Roy Associate, a leading exporter of ginger from India, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the civil secretariat here.

The MoU was executed in the presence of agriculture minister Gabriel D Wangsu.

Speaking on the occasion, Wangsu emphasized the importance of promoting and selling the indigenous ginger varieties of Arunachal, highlighting their superior taste and unique aroma. He likened the MoU to a marriage between the Board and the buyer, expressing his hopes for its successful implementation.

Talem Taboh, advisor to the minister, welcomed the initiative by APAMB and expressed confidence in further such efforts under Wangsu's leadership for the welfare of farmers.

Agriculture commissioner Bidol Tayeng discussed marketing challenges in the state and the recent surge in ginger prices.

He outlined various government initiatives, including the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017, designed to streamline agricultural marketing by integrating various agencies.

Tayeng praised the Arunachal government's swift implementation of this model act, making it the first state in India to adopt it as "The Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017 (Act No.10 of 2018)."

He expressed support for the MoU and the state's commitment to agricultural marketing reforms.

Horticulture secretary, Koj Rinya, highlighted the significance of agricultural marketing and the state's ginger production. She hoped for the MoU's successful implementation and its potential extension to other crops.

Agriculture production commissioner Vivek Pandey noted the large scale of the MoU, emphasizing the need for fair pricing for farmers and assurance of quantity for the exporter.

He cited market volatility examples and praised APAMB for its ambitious approach. Pandey encouraged exporters to engage with farmers and self-help groups and emphasized the shared responsibility of the Board and buyers in ensuring the MoU's success.

Earlier, APAMB chief executive officer, Okit Palling, introduced the MoU's agenda and terms. The MoU involves the purchase of 5,000,000 kg of fresh ginger from Arunachal, with advance payments of up to 30% of the fixed price of Rs. 20/kg to be made through APAMB.

The final rate payable to farmers will be determined based on the prevailing market rate at the time of procurement.

Last year's rates suggest a potential payout of around INR 30.00 crores, marking one of the largest agreements for a single product in Arunachal Pradesh's agricultural marketing history.