According to a study released by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Export Promotion Council (EPC) and the Confederation of Organic Food Products and Marketing Agencies, a paradigm shift is underway in the agricultural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, as subsistence farming is rapidly evolving from traditional jhum or shifting cultivation to settled agriculture. Titled 'Arunachal Pradesh Investment, Growth, and Development with Immense Opportunities with Asian Countries,' the study highlights the potential for commercial agriculture and floriculture in the frontier state.
Arunachal Pradesh's Transition from Jhum Cultivation
The shift from jhum or slash-and-burn cultivation, a traditional yet unsustainable practice involving farming on shaved-off hill slopes, marks a positive change for the agricultural sector. This transition aligns with the state's potential for agriculture, forest, and mineral-based micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Investment and Growth Trends in Arunachal Pradesh
Data from the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy revealed that new investment projects worth Rs 56.46 crore were announced for Arunachal Pradesh during 2021-22. While this represented a slight decrease from the previous fiscal year, the investments underscored the state's vast potential in agriculture, forestry, and mineral-based enterprises.
MSMEs Driving Industrial Growth
Highlighting the role of MSMEs through the example of Papum Pare district, where these enterprises contribute significantly to the industrial landscape. With about 60 percent of industrial units, 35 percent of manufacturing outfits, and 30 percent of the services sector, MSMEs are positioned as key players driving industrial growth in the state.
Agricultural Production on the Rise
The study reported a commendable increase in the production of food grains, cereals, and pulses from 2018-19 to 2021-22. The state witnessed a rise in the production of milk, milk products, meat, and eggs during the same period, indicating the positive impact of the transition to settled farming.
Arunachal Pradesh's Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the encouraging developments, experts acknowledged challenges in the sector, including issues related to production, marketing, human resources development, finance, technology, and infrastructure. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining and further enhancing the positive trajectory of settled agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh.
