Itanagar, May 28: Keyi Panyor district was showcased as India’s first “Bio-Happy District” during the inauguration of the Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata & Mvm Liid Soonam / Beej Utsav 2026 at Yazali on Thursday.
The two-day festival and stakeholder consultation on biohappiness and climate resilience was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu at the Government Higher Secondary School, Yazali.
Organized jointly by the Office of the Yachuli MLA, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Keyi Panyor, Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) and M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the event aims to promote sustainable development, agrobiodiversity conservation and climate-resilient livelihoods.
In his inaugural address, Wangsu said Arunachal Pradesh’s traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous farming systems are vital in addressing the growing impacts of climate change. He pointed out that changing rainfall patterns, shorter winters and increasing floods have posed new challenges to agriculture in the region.
The minister emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous crop varieties and community seed systems, describing them as crucial safeguards against climate uncertainty. He also praised Hage Nanya of Ziro for initiating intellectual property rights protection for 12 indigenous paddy varieties of Lower Subansiri district under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act.
Wangsu informed that the government is working towards strengthening community seed banks, improving local seed certification mechanisms, enhancing storage infrastructure and encouraging women-led “Seed Guardian” initiatives.
Earlier, Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung welcomed the participants and highlighted the region’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage. In his opening remarks, MSSRF Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan said the concept of biohappiness connects biodiversity conservation with nutrition security, livelihood generation and inclusive social development.
The consultation includes discussions on agrobiodiversity conservation, climate-resilient farming, women’s participation in seed governance and youth entrepreneurship linked to sustainable livelihoods, food processing and eco-tourism.
The inaugural day also witnessed the opening of the Arunachal Agrobiodiversity Festival and Sustainable Livelihoods Exhibition with participation from seed conservers, government departments, the Spices Board and local enterprises.
The festival will conclude on May 29 following technical sessions and community initiatives focused on ecological sustainability and nature-based solutions.