NAMSAI, Apr 25: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, while emphasizing that agriculture today must move towards professionalism, with greater use of technology and skill development, especially among the youth, and encouraged young people to see agriculture and allied sectors as viable and rewarding career options.
The Dy CM emphasized this while attending the World Veterinary Day 2026 celebration at Namsai along with Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, and his Advisor, Dr Mohesh Chai.
The event was organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Veterinary Association (APVA) on the global theme ‘Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health’.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister shared his own experiences in farming and spoke about the importance of doing agriculture the ‘right’ way. He pointed out that in crops like tea, a proper system exists from cultivation to auction, and farmers benefit only when quality is maintained.
“If the quality is good, the market rewards you. But if chemicals are overused, the produce gets rejected. This is something we must understand and apply across all sectors,” he said.
He also expressed concern that despite having vast land and favourable conditions, the State continues to depend heavily on imports for livestock and agricultural products, according to a statement from the Dy CM’s media cell.
“We have the land, we have the demand, but we are still importing. This means we need to improve how we produce, process and connect to markets,” he observed.
Referring to the growing demand for meat and livestock products in the State, he said this presents a clear opportunity for local farmers to increase production and income, if supported with the right systems.
Mein also touched upon challenges such as ageing plantations and declining productivity in some crops, stressing the need for scientific methods, better soil management and stronger research support.
“Without research and proper guidance, we cannot improve or add value to what we produce,” he added.
Highlighting the role of veterinarians, the Dy CM said they are the key to this entire ecosystem, working closely with farmers and ensuring better animal health and productivity at the grassroots level.
He also highlighted the ongoing government efforts, including ‘Catch Them Young 2.0’ and the ‘Chief Minister’s White Revolution Scheme 2.0’, aimed at building capacity and strengthening the dairy sector.
Appreciating the work being done on the ground, Mein commended veterinarians and farmers for their continued efforts in supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening the sector.
On the occasion, retired veterinarians, and best veterinarians were felicitated and Research Project Report on Mon-bhaah Cattle and Mid-Survey of ICAR were also released.
The event was also attended by Secretary Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Y V V J Rajasekhar, DC Namsai C R Khampa and senior officers of the department, veterinarians, progressive farmers, PRI and APVA members.