National seminar on spices concludes; MoU signed

| Staff REPORTER |
ITANAGAR, Oct 26: For promoting cultivation of spices in the State, the Department of Horticulture, govt of Arunachal Pradesh and the Spices Board, govt of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here today.
The MoU was signed at the close of a two-day national seminar on spices, organized under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture by the Spices Board in association with the Horticulture Department here at Banquet Hall.
Highlighting the salient features of the MoU, OSD to CM Dr Hatobin Mai, also a member of the Spices Board, informed that the Board will set up two auction centers for spices at Namsai and Kimin along with model nursery at the eastern, western and central zones of the State.
He also informed that the Board will provide 30 percent share on subsidy to the cultivators and 20 percent shares will be provided by the State. He added that the Board has assured to document the indigenous spices of the State.
Further informing that the State will facilitate marketing of the spices through ‘Buy Back Policy’, Dr Mai told that Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has assured to include spices in the flagship programmes of the state.
Terming the MoU as “spice revolution” for the State and also for other North Eastern states, Dr Mai said that spice cultivators should be made aware of the importance of organic farming. He added that organic farming will not only ensure better market but also ensure healthy products.
Further stating that “avenue has been created for growth and market of spices of the state”, he urged everyone to work with full zeal towards it. He added that it has also given a platform to provide employment to the people of the State.
Spices Board Director (Development) S Siddaramappa while stating that Arunachal Pradesh has huge potential for organic spices especially in large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and star anise, assured that the Board will assist the farmers towards its production through schemes.
The MoU was inked by Horticulture Director Jombo Ratan on behalf of the State govt, while Spices Board Secretary P M Suresh Kumar signed it on behalf of the Board in presence of Board Chairman A Jayathilak, State’s Horticulture Secretary Suresh Kumar and Board member Dr Mai.