Tawang, Apr 12: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the state government, organised an International Conclave-cum-Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at Kalawangpo Convention Hall, Tawang, with the objective of promoting agricultural and processed food products from the state and the North Eastern Region.
The event was attended by chief minister Pema Khandu, agriculture minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, chief secretary Manish Gupta, former union secretary Siraj Hussain, APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev, and several other officials from the Centre and state.
In his address, Khandu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to developing agriculture and allied sectors, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, and promoting women-led initiatives. He highlighted the potential for exporting products such as GI-tagged Khaw Tai Rice (Khamti Rice), mandarin orange, kiwi, apple, persimmon, yak cheese (churpi), among others, to South-East Asian and ASEAN countries, and invited domestic and international buyers to invest in the sector.
Wangsu emphasized the need for building awareness and capacity among farmers to ensure they secure fair prices for their produce in both domestic and international markets. He lauded the farmers’ efforts in producing quality kiwis, mandarins, apples, walnuts, and value-added products like wines.
Gupta described Arunachal Pradesh as a "powerhouse of organic produce" and underlined the government's focus on promoting exports of local agricultural products such as large cardamom, arecanut, and walnuts.
Dev urged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to participate in key trade fairs, assuring APEDA’s support in developing infrastructure, branding, capacity building, and international promotion of agricultural produce from the state.
The conclave facilitated direct interactions between 11 international buyers from the UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan and 17 Indian exporters from seven states and Union Territories. Over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh also participated, engaging in discussions on product quality, availability, and market access.
Exhibitions were set up by the state government, APEDA, the Indian Institute of Packaging, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), the Spices Board, Amul, and others, showcasing products such as Khaw Tai Rice, kiwi, apple, mandarin orange, persimmon, yak cheese, large cardamom, arecanut, walnut, floriculture products, millets, and various value-added items.
Discussions focused on unlocking the state’s agricultural potential, addressing concerns related to quality standards, packaging, logistics, and promoting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. The event is part of broader efforts by the Centre and the state to strengthen the value chain ecosystem and promote agri-business in the region.
APEDA representatives stated that it remains committed to supporting the development of infrastructure, capacity building, and market access initiatives for agricultural exporters from Arunachal Pradesh, aligning with the Government of India’s vision for a "Viksit North East."
