Governor KT Parnaik recently visited the State Horticulture Farm in Shergaon, West Kameng district, on Saturday, 25 Jul, where he commended the farm management’s efforts in promoting scientific horticulture and high-quality fruit cultivation. During his interaction with farmers, horticulturists, and officials, the governor emphasized that agriculture and horticulture are not just occupations, but powerful instruments for economic growth, self-reliance, and rural prosperity. He stressed the need to transfer modern scientific methods and innovative farming practices from research farms to villages, enabling farmers, especially the youth, to transform horticulture into a profitable entrepreneurial venture.
The governor highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential in the horticulture sector, citing its favourable climate and rich natural resources as ideal conditions for cultivating high-value temperate fruits. The State Horticulture Farm, which serves as a model institution for scientific horticulture and agricultural innovation, cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples along with plum, pear, chestnut, cherry, walnut, and persimmon. The farm promotes quality planting materials, crop diversification, and scientific farming techniques, playing a vital role in enhancing farmers’ productivity and income while encouraging youth entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture.
The governor also witnessed a demonstration of modern scientific methods in horticulture, including the use of drone technology for farm management and crop monitoring. He visited the trout hatching farm, established in 1979, which produces trout ova and supports cold-water fisheries in the region, and observed that integrated development of horticulture and fisheries can significantly enhance rural incomes and contribute to the vision of a self-reliant and prosperous Arunachal Pradesh. The governor called upon farmers, entrepreneurs, and youths to harness these opportunities and become active partners in the state’s journey towards sustainable development.
He encouraged the promotion of natural farming practices, which can enhance sustainability, improve soil health, and increase farmers’ incomes while preserving the environment. The government trout farm, which serves as a pioneering centre for trout farming and quality seed production, produces around 2 metric tonnes of trout and 1.5 lakh trout seeds annually. In FY 2025-26, the farm generated revenue of Rs 10.12 lakh, with higher earnings projected this year.
It operates on a commercial scale, supplying fish throughout the year and distributing seeds during March and April, and also serves as a major tourist attraction and support centre for local trout farmers.
