WATTE, 19 July 2025: The establishment of the Government Agriculture College (GAC) at Watte under Bana circle in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district is set to transform agricultural education and economic development in the region, said Minister for Home, PHE&WS, and Indigenous Affairs Mama Natung on Thursday.
The Minister was visiting the construction site of the GAC, which has seen 30% completion ahead of schedule by the executing agency, the Public Works Department (PWD). Natung commended the efforts of both the PWD and the local community, especially the residents of Watte, for their generous donation of 33 hectares of land for the college.
"The Agriculture College will not only provide a platform for higher agricultural education in the region but also create opportunities for research, entrepreneurship, and rural empowerment," said Natung. He added that such institutions are vital for strengthening the state’s agricultural capacity and improving the livelihood of local farmers.
In a significant infrastructure boost, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 150-metre reinforced concrete bridge over the Kameng River. The bridge will connect Kafla village directly to the college. A water supply project to benefit Watte residents was also inaugurated.
The visit was marked by the presence of several high-ranking officials and local representatives, including Zilla Parishad Members Yangda Neri (Watte Pritam) and Lada Tayem (Papu Valley), Agriculture Secretary Samuel Changkija, PWD Joint Secretary Mika Nyori, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Nigam, and Director of Finance, Planning & Investment Mokir Eshi Ori.
Also in attendance were Chief Engineers from PWD and PHE&WS, Agriculture Director N. Debia, Joint Director T. Angu, District Agriculture Officer Nitum Riba, SP Kamdum Sikom, SDAO Sipai Bayang, and other field officers.
Officials highlighted that the new agriculture college aligns with the government’s commitment to educational decentralisation and agricultural self-sufficiency.
