Arunachal Pradesh CM Flags Off State’s First-Ever Commercial Floriculture Consignment
Arunachal Pradesh has formally entered the era of organised commercial floriculture with the successful dispatch of its first-ever consignment of cut flowers to Assam, marking a significant milestone in the State’s agricultural and horticultural development journey.
On January 12, Chief Minister Pema Khandu flagged off the inaugural consignment of 2,000 Asiatic Lilium stems sourced from farmers in Lower Subansiri district to Guwahati. The shipment generated approximately ₹1 lakh in revenue for local farmers, demonstrating the strong income potential of floriculture as a viable livelihood option.
Sharing the achievement, the Chief Minister described the moment as the beginning of a new chapter for the State’s farmers. He noted that this first dispatch symbolises Arunachal Pradesh’s readiness to tap organised markets beyond its borders and establish itself as a reliable producer of high-quality flowers.
The initiative is being supported under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), through which the State government is actively promoting the cultivation of premium cut and loose flowers suited to Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Focused interventions under MIDH aim to enhance farmer capacity, improve production quality, and strengthen market linkages.
Expressing confidence in the future of the sector, the Chief Minister said that the success of this first consignment will pave the way for Arunachal’s flowers to reach major flower markets across India. He emphasised that commercial floriculture holds immense promise in terms of income generation, sustainability, and inclusive growth for farmers across districts.
In another significant development, Chief Minister Khandu announced that Arunachal Pradesh has taken a key step towards protecting its agricultural heritage with the filing of a Geographical Indication (GI) application for oranges from Upper Subansiri district. The application has been submitted to the GI Registry in Chennai by representatives of local farmer-producer organisations.
Calling it a proud moment for the State, the Chief Minister said the GI application marks an important move towards empowering farmers, strengthening the rural economy, and showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s unique agricultural produce on national and global platforms. The GI tag is expected to enhance product value, ensure authenticity, and improve market recognition for the region’s oranges.
Further reinforcing the government’s commitment to the horticulture sector, the Chief Minister also announced the launch of the ‘Harvest of the Month’ initiative. The programme aims to recognise and celebrate progressive farmers who are contributing significantly to the growth of horticulture in the State through innovation, perseverance, and hard work.
Among the first farmers recognised under the initiative are HageJailyang, who has ventured into commercial floriculture with support under MIDH, and HigiTepik of Kamle district, who has been engaged in mandarin orange cultivation since 2003.
Through initiatives such as organised floriculture, GI registration for indigenous produce, and farmer recognition programmes, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh continues to strengthen the agricultural value chain. These efforts reflect a broader vision of enhancing farmer incomes, promoting sustainable practices, and positioning the state as a hub of high-quality horticultural produce in the years ahead.
