National Workshop-cum-Training on Strengthening FPOs for Agri-Enterprise Development and Sustainable Livelihoods Held in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

  A National Workshop-cum-Training on “Strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for Agri-Enterprise Development and Sustainable Livelihoods in Rural Border Communities” was successfully organized in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on September 12, 2025. 

The programme was graced by Lt. Gen. Konsam Himalay Singh, former Lieutenant General of the Indian Army, as the Chief Guest, who emphasized the relevance of the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan”, calling upon farmers and scientists to work hand-in-hand for the prosperity of the border communities. 

The programme was jointly organized by ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (RCER), Patna; ICAR-IVRI; ICAR-NDRI; and ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, in collaboration with the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal. The event witnessed the gracious presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. A.K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, RLBCAU; Dr. P.S. Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Dr. RPCAU; and Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal.

Miss Namgyal Angmo, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang District, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour and encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the technical guidance and resources provided by the distinguished experts.

Other prominent guests included Shri Atul Jain, Chairman, DRI, New Delhi; Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI; Dr. L.M. Garnayak, Director (Research), CAU Imphal; and Dr. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, DEE, CAU Imphal. The programme also brought together Deans of CAU constituent colleges, NABARD officials, KVK experts, FPO representatives, district officials, and scientists from various ICAR institutes. The College of Agriculture, CAU, Pasighat, served as the local host and organizer of the event. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal, appreciated the collaborative efforts of multiple universities and research institutions, with special mention of ICAR-RCER Patna, in supporting farmers of the border districts. Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna and Dr. Abhay Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna also actively participated in the programme.

Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna emphasized that the farmers in the region are primarily engaged in cultivating lal dhan (red rice), millets, pulses, tomato, cabbage, leafy vegetables, and in rearing yak, mithun, and poultry. However, they face several challenges, including wild boar attacks, fencing issues, shortage of animal feed and mineral mixtures, frequent landslides, and extreme cold conditions. He underlined the need for capacity building of farmers and adoption of FPO-based technologies to strengthen their livelihoods and ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Addressing the farmers, Dr. Abhay Kumar highlighted opportunities for climate-resilient agriculture, integrated farming systems, and income diversification for ensuring year-round livelihoods in high-altitude regions such as Tawang. The Tawang region is mostly inhabited by Monpa tribe mostly buddhist having rich cultural heritage.

During the workshop, inputs including knapsack sprayers, bio-fertilizers, green manure seeds, veterinary kits, bio-pesticides, and small farm tools were distributed under the NEH component of ICAR-RCER, Patna. Technical sessions were also conducted on entrepreneurship development, capacity building, and innovative farming practices to address the challenges of remoteness, harsh climatic conditions, steep terrains, lack of inputs, and limited training exposure faced by border farmers.

Farmers shared their traditional practices, such as using oak tree leaves for composting and rearing goats primarily for manure, reflecting the eco-friendly farming systems in the Buddhist cultural setting of the region, where animal slaughter is avoided. 

The event marked a significant step in bringing together scientists, institutions, and farmers on one platform to strengthen sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in the strategically important border regions of Arunachal Pradesh. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 200 farmers from 20 villages of the border region, along with 50 eminent experts and dignitaries from across the country. A vibrant cultural evening was organized to showcase the rich local traditions and culture.