ITANAGAR, Aug 28: As many as 29 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between farmers and buyers at a two-day Buyer-Seller Meet organised by the District Horticulture Office, West Kameng, which concluded at the Indoor Stadium, Gyaptong, Rupa, on Friday.
Held on August 27 and 28, the meet aimed to provide a common platform for farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs), entrepreneurs and buyers to establish direct market linkages and promote locally produced agro-horticultural products.
The programme was inaugurated by West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar, who stressed the need to strengthen market linkages, promote value addition and ensure better price realisation for farmers. He said direct interaction between producers and buyers could help reduce market barriers and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farming communities.
West Kameng Superintendent of Police Dr Dorjee Wangdi Thungon also attended the inaugural programme, along with PRI members, heads of departments/offices, representatives of allied departments, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders.
The meet featured stalls showcasing a range of locally produced agro-horticultural products, followed by interactive business sessions between buyers and sellers. Discussions focused on product quality, quantity, grading, packaging, pricing, transportation and mechanisms for regular procurement.
Three MoUs were signed on the first day, followed by 26 additional agreements on the concluding day, taking the total to 29.
The agreements covered products including kiwi, persimmon, kidney beans, Sichuan pepper, soybean, star anise, sweet corn, turmeric, ginger, maize, walnut, dry fruits and large cardamom, among others.
The successful signing of the 29 MoUs is expected to improve market access and price realisation for farmers while encouraging commercial production and organised marketing of horticultural produce in West Kameng.
The initiative also marks a step towards establishing sustained producer-buyer partnerships and strengthening the district’s horticulture economy.