NEW DELHI, 8 July 2025: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, speaking at the 96th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Society, called for the establishment of a Central Kiwi Research Institute, highlighting Arunachal’s contribution of over 60% of India’s kiwi production.
Addressing the gathering, Wangsu proposed a series of interventions to strengthen agricultural research, education, and rural skill development in India. Among the key suggestions was the creation of ITI-model schools of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries sciences to impart industry-aligned, short-term certificate courses for students post-Class 10 or 12.
“The idea is to equip rural youth with employable, agri-entrepreneurial skills, aligned with regional needs,” Wangsu stated, adding that these technical institutes could replicate the success of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in other sectors.
He also urged the Centre to sanction a multidisciplinary university for organic agriculture focused on region-specific innovation, and to upgrade the ICAR research station in Basar into a full-fledged directorate for mid-hill zone studies.
Wangsu placed additional proposals before the ICAR body, including:
- 10 new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for newly formed districts
- Funding for eight already sanctioned KVKs
- A Fisheries College and Veterinary College to meet rising demand for trained professionals
- A BSL-II laboratory for early detection and control of zoonotic diseases
- Strengthening of the NRC on Yak in Dirang
- Establishment of sub-centres for NRC on Mithun and ICAR-CIRC
The AGM, chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, also saw participation from several senior ministers including Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and MoS for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, MoS for Animal Husbandry SP Singh Baghel, and MoS for Minority Affairs George Kurien.
The event also marked the release of ICAR publications, reports, and new technologies, alongside the adoption of audited accounts for 2023–24, underscoring ICAR’s commitment to advancing India's agri-research and innovation.
Image credit: shibaura-group.com
