ITANAGAR: With a view to promoting and selling the indigenous ginger varieties of Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with RC Roy Associate, a leading ginger exporter from India.
The MoU was signed on Friday at the civil secretariat in the presence of Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu.
Speaking during the event, Wangsu emphasized the importance of promoting and selling the indigenous ginger varieties of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting their superior taste and unique aroma.
The MoU involves the purchase of 50,00,000 kg of fresh ginger from Arunachal Pradesh through the board with advance payments of up to 30 percent of the value of ginger (fixed at Rs 20/kg as on date) to the farmers, SHGs, FPOs through APAMB.
The final rate payable to farmers will be determined based on the prevailing market rate at the time of procurement.
Horticulture Secretary Koj Rinya emphasized the critical role of agricultural marketing in supporting farmers’ livelihoods. She expressed hope for the successful implementation of the MoU so that it may be further extended to other crops.
Agriculture Commissioner Bidol Tayeng discussed marketing challenges in the state and the recent surge in ginger prices.
He highlighted various government initiatives, including the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017, designed to streamline agricultural marketing by integrating multiple agencies.
He commended the state government for enacting the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2017 (Act No 10 of 2018), under which the present APAMB was constituted.
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Agriculture production commissioner Vivek Pandey emphasized the need for fair pricing for farmers and assurance of quantity for the exporter.
Pandey encouraged exporters to engage with farmers and self-help groups and also emphasized the shared responsibility of the Board and buyers in ensuring the successful implementation of the MoU.
