Arunachal Geography

 

The State is endowed with a wide variety of soils having less fertile coastal sands to highly fertile and productive deltaic alluviums of major river basins developed from different parent materials. The major soil groups are red and laterite, black, alluvial and coastal soils occupying 66, 25, 5 and 3 per cent of the total area, respectively.

Red soils

The red soils include red sandy soils (Dubbas and coarse chalkas), red earth with loamy subsoil (medium and fine chalkas) red loamy soils (shallow to moderately deep), red loamy soils deep to very deep and red soils with clayey sub soils. These soils are in general, rapidly to moderately permeable with good drainage conditions. Soils are neutral in reaction (pH 6.5 to 7.5) and non saline. The clay minerals consist of a mixture of kaolinite and illite with low to medium Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). They are prone to erosion.

Red sandy soils

These coarse soils have an effective depth ranging from 20 to 60 cm indicating that they are shallow to moderately deep. The pH of the soils varies from 6.5 to 7.5 and these are non saline. The soils are rapidly permeable with intensive leaching exhibited under heavy irrigation or high intensity rain fall conditions. The clay content is usually < 15 per cent . These soils have low base exchange capacity and are poor in fertility.

Red earths

These soils show a loamy or clay sub soils. The soils with the former usually exhibit pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 and occur on the elevated regions nearer to hills , hill ranges and on sloping terrains. These are non saline and have low CEC. The surface drainage is good to excessive. The soils vary in depth ranging from as low as 8 to 75 cm (shallow to moderately deep). The red earths with clayey subsoil show rapid permeability at surface while the subsoil is moderately permeable. pH of these soils is ranging from 6.5 to 8.0 and these soils show more CEC than the ones with loamy sub soil. The effective depth of these soils ranges from 30 to 75 cm.

Red loamy soils

Based on depth, these soils are shallow to moderately deep red loamy soils and deep to very deep red loamy soils. The former usually have depth ranging from 20-39 cm and occur where the area was subjected to severe erosion. The surface coarse texture favor easy drainage while the subsoil is denser tending to show more clay with depth. The latter category exhibits variation in drainage viz., well drainage with light textured sub soil and moderately well to well drainage with clayey subsoil.

Laterite soils

Laterite soils are deep (0.9 to 1.8 m) to very deep (> 1.8 m), medium to fine textured with clay subsoil and rapidly permeable and well drained. These soils are formed under conditions of high rainfall with alternate wetting and drying period. The leaching of the bases leads to development of soil acidity with soil reaction (pH ) values as low as 4.0 to 5.0, in a general pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. Soils are non saline. The soils have very low CEC and ,hence, are poor in fertility.

Black Soils

These soils have a local name as regur. Deep black soils (Vertisols) have high clay content (30- 60 per cent or more) and , hence, are slowly permeable and ill drained. They exhibit an effective depth of over 180 cm. The pH ranges between 8.0 to 9.0. These soils are usually non saline at surface but salt content increases with depth. The soils exhibit high base exchange capacity due to high clay content. Moderately deep soils are loamy to clay loamy with clay sub soil, moderately drained, neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH 7.0 to 8.5), non saline but have higher salt content than red soils. These soils are also having similar fertility characteristics as above.

Deltaic alluvium

These soils occurring in major river deltas have finer fraction ranging from 60 to 70 per cent. They are very deep (> 1.8 m) and lack of profile development. Drainage is a main constraint in these soils. Water table occurs within 5 cm depth coming up to ground level in basins. These soils are neutral to alkaline (pH 7.0 to 9.0) and marginal to highly saline. Clay mineral composition shows wide variations. The CEC of soils is usually high and, hence, they are productive. Taxonomically, these are Entisols and Vertisols.

Coastal soils

These are very deep (1.8 to 5.0 m and above), coarse textured with sandy sub soil, belonging to the order Entisols. The soils are rapidly permeable, neutral in reaction (pH 6.5 to 7.5) with sub soil salinity due to shallow water table and low CEC due to very low clay contents.

Salt affected soils

It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the total area of the state is under the problem soils like saline, saline-alkali and non saline alkali soils mainly occurring along the sea coast, streams and are usually interspersed in black, red and alluvial soils.

Saline soils

These soils occupy considerable area in coastal districts of the state with salts contents exceeding even 0.2 per cent reaching a high concentration of even more than 4.0 per cent. The soils have low Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) of less than 15. The pH is around 7.0 and seldom goes beyond 8.5.The high water table can cause moist conditions at the surface.

Saline – alkali soils

These soils are also occurring in the coastal districts and in some hinterland areas along the stream sides. The pH ranges from 8.0 to 10.0 while the salt content was found ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 per cent or even above. The water table is usually shallow showing not only high salt contents but also the presence of alkali carbonates.

Non saline alkali soils  

Though the pH values are similar to the above category, the salt content generally is low. The ESP values exceed 15.These soils have poor physical conditions and exhibit even water logging due to dispersion of clay clogging the pores. Though depending upon the salt content, the saline soils can be of some fertility value, the other two categories exhibit poor fertility and physical conditions affecting the crop production seriously. Management of these soils requires implementation of technologies generated so far specific to the given type of problem soil to improve its productivity .

 

Part of the Eastern Himalayan ranges, Arunachal Pradesh is the most picturesque tourist destination of India. With its numerous turbulent streams, roaring rivers, deep gorges, lofty mountains, snow-clad peaks, thousands of species of flora and fauna and an endless variation of scenic beauty, there is tremendous potential for development of tourism in Arunachal Pradesh especially adventure and eco-tourism.

The state has vast potential for offering various attractions to the tourists like river rafting, angling, hiking, trekking, mountaineers, Land gliding, snow skiing etc. For the wild life enthusiasts and nature lovers, Arunachal has a number of wild life sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves, its lushgreen tropical forests teeming with wildlife. Arunachal Pradesh is also famous for the Buddhist Circuit.

But, the tourism potential of the state for generating much needed income & employment remains under utilized. Though the state has high tourism potential, owning to lack of infrastructure facilities such as, transport, communication facilities, accommodation and other tourism supported facilities, most part of it remains out-of bound to the tourist.

Arunachal Pradesh is the most picturesque tourist destination of India. Places of tourist attraction in the state can be broadly classified as following:

Places of Religious and Historical Importance

Malinithan

Malinithan a Pilgrimage center for Hindu located at Likabali, headquarters of sub-division of West Siang District. Ruins of a big temple belonging to 14th –15th century include sculptures of Indra, Airavanta, Surya, Nandi Bull, Akashi-Ganga waterfalls etc. 5 km away from Malinithan a bathing Ghat is located where people take a holy bath.

Tawang

The district headquarters of Tawang District is situated at a distance of 180 km from Bomadila. The place is easily approachable by road from Bomadila. The place is famous for the 300-year-old Budhist monastery.

Parsuram Kund

It is located in Lohit District, has been the pilgrimage centers from the ancient time. On the day of Makar Sankaranti, thousands of pilgrims take holi dips in the Kund to wash off their sins. It is believed the sage Parsuram washed his hand free of the murdouroous axe with which he had killed his mother.

Archeological/Historical Sites

Some of the historical and archeological finds in Arunachal Pradesh have rich material of cultural contacts in the past.

Bhismaknagar

It has now been established that the oldest site of archeological importance is Bhismaknagar. Discovered in and around these structures are quite a good number of pottery terracotta and other objects of interest.

Vijayanagar

The recently discovered (1969) along the Nao Dihing Valley in Tirap district throws light on the heritage of the tribes like the khamptis and Singphos. The discovery renealed stupa and monuments of archaelogical interest at Vijayanagar and Miaobum. The ruins of the stupa at Vijayanagar was discovered in April, 1969. The finds are now dated as of the17th Century.

Pukhuris

Another category of historical monuments frequently reported from the Lohit District are tanks or Pukhuris. At present proper survey has been made in regard to the Paduni Pukhuri near Jia and Ahom Pukhuri near Koronu. Quite a good number of such tanks are known to exist in this area.

 Itanagar

Buried here under thick vegetation are ruins of an ancient capital which bears elegant testimony to the past glory of this area. The place has been identified as Mayapur or Kalyanpur which was the Capital of King Ramachandra, the last of the Titari Kings who ruled the North bank areas in the 11th Century A.D. Historians suggest that when Ahoms extended there political authority to the North Bank area of the Brahmaputra river.

Wild life Sanctuaries and National Parks

There are eight wild life sanctuaries and also two national parks where a variety of wildlife animals and birds could be sighted.  Prominent among them include elephants, tiger, gaur, musk deer, clouded leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, crapped langur, hillock, gibbon, hornbills, peacock, pheasants, florican, and host of other migratory birds. The State is famed for 50 species of orchids.

Namdapha National Park

NNP is a few kilometers away from Micro in Changlang district. For the truly dedicated wilderness and wildlife fan, a visit to the namdapha NP is challenging, covering a wide range of attitudes from 200 mts to 4,500 mts. The park largely inaccessible, has diverse habitats and flora and fauna that are typical of this area. The majestic gaur or mithun, elephant, Himalayan black bear, takin, the wild goat peculiar to the Patkoi range, musk deer, slow loris, bitnturong and the red panda are all found here.

Dr Daying Ering Memorial

13 kms. From Pasighat, the Sanctuary is a series of river islands. The unique ecosystem of water bodies is home to thousands of migratory birds from Siberia and Mengolia and is of interest to the amateur and the serious Ornithologist alive. The grassy and forested islands are home to deers, wild buffalo, elephants and other rainforest species. The lucky may also catch a glimpse of the Tiger.

Adventure Tourism

Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with thick evergreen forests with numerous streams, rivers and gorges and hundreds of thousands of species of flora and fauna covering more than 60% of the total area. The five rivers of the state namely Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, Siang and Tirap wind their way through the syluen green of the hills. Its rivers are ideal for angling, boating and rafting and its terrain is suitable for trikking, hiking and holidaying in a serene atmosphere. The upper reaches offer an ideal landscape fro promoting adventure tourism of all kinds and is best suited for the tourist, looking for such opportunities.

Four major trekking routes have been identified by the Government namely:

Pashighat-Tengging-Yinkiong

This trek starts from the plains of Siang and leads through the thick forest area. The route is a photographer’s delight and also a promising tract for catch and release mahaseer angling.

Bhalukpung – Bomdila –Tanwang

This route passes through the Tipi orchidariun to Bomdila. It crosses the crest of the Sela pass at 14,000 ft. above sea level which runs through a small ridge and along a placid lake called the Paradise lake. All through the way, the kameng river roaring down the hill provides excellent scope for angling, trekking and hiking.

Roing – Mayodia – Anini

This trekking route located in the Dibang valley district with its highest peak at Mayudia (2443 mts) on the way to Anini, has a picturesque beauty with a unique photography, floral and faunal diversity and a favourable natural setting. The main tourist trekking spots are Mehao lake sanctuary and boating in Salley lake.

Tezu – Hayliang

The hills in the Tezu-Hayuliang route are rich in flora and fauna. A large number of migratory species of birds visit this region from the Sino-Himalayan area during the winter. The route is ideal for hiking, trekking and bird watching.

 

Migration in Arunachal Pradesh can be divided in two categories

1. Migration within the state and
2. Migration outside the state.

 

1. Migration within the state:

It is mainly concerned with migration of people from rural to urban in search of better opportunity. Migration within the state has increased significantly over some decades. This is due to the development of urban centers and ecotourism and refreshing activities in the state.

1. Migration outside the state:

The major issue we usually heard from migration related perspective is the Migration of Chakma tribe from Bangladesh to nearby states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Chakmas are now settled in Namsai, Papumpare and Changlang districts while Hajongs are settled only in Changlang district of the state.

The total population of Chakmas in India according to the 2011 census was 2,26,860 persons, with 96,972 persons in Mizoram, 79,813 in Tripura, 2,032 in Assam, 466 in West Bengal, 106 in Meghalaya and 47,471 in Arunachal Pradesh.

Although Chakma do not schedule tribe status in Arunachal Pradesh then also they come and settle in Arunachal Pradesh. This is because increasing tea industry and infrastructure projects. The Chakmas/Hajongshave been seen as a threat simply because they migrated in a group even if other general populations already constitute a far more serious threat, if any, to indigenous population of the state. The Chakmas/Hajongs shared excellent relations with the neighbours.

Chakmas are recognised as Scheduled Tribes in Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

The report said the population of Chakmas and Hajongs was 14,888 during 1964-69 which has increased to 47,471 till 2011, which means a 218 per cent increase in 47 years. In comparison, the population of other non-tribal communities such as Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris and Biharis has increased in the state by 955 per cent during the same period.

2/3^rd people of Arunachal Pradesh are the people who are living here from centuries. Rest 1/3^rdpopulation are the outsider.

This clearly shows the migration is prominentin Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Disadvantages of Migration in Arunachal Pradesh:

1. There is a danger on local tradition and culture
2. Lack of harmony and violence

Advantage of Migration in Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Availability of cheap labor
2. Mutual Understanding

 

Agriculture is the main source of earning of Arunachal Pradesh. The state gets as much as 500 centimeters of rainfall and this accounts for the large number of rivers and lakes in the region apart from extensive forests which have induced the people to adopt the ‘Jhum’ form of cultivation in which a select area of the forests is burnt and used for cultivation. In the following years the farmers shift to another forest plot which leads to the cultivation being called shifting cultivation. About 53% of the total cultivated area is under Jhum and the rest under permanent cultivation. Due to good rain rice the major crop. Other important crops are maize, millet, wheat, pulses, potato, oil seeds and sugarcane. Ecological conditions of Arunachal Pradesh are congenial for the growth of horticulture. Besides this there are plenty of oranges, guavas, pineapples, lemon, litchi, papaya, and temperature fruits like apple, plum, pear, peach, cherries, walnut, almonds are grown.  Various steps were taken to diversify the agriculture economy by encouraging the cultivation of cash crops like potatoes, and horticulture crops like apple, oranges, guavas, and pineapples, etc. Many important projects such as Regional Seed Foundation Potato Farm at Tawang, Regional Apple Nursery at Dirang, and State Horticulture Farm at Sheragaon were set up with the help of North-Eastern Council to boost agro-horticulture activities. Apart from these Gramsevak Training Centre and farmers Training Centre located at various parts of the state impart training in scientific methods of rural development and agriculture respectively. In this way pre-agricultural level of technology in 1950 is now firmly established in the world of hybrid varieties, genes and biotechnology.

MAIN CROPS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH : Major variants of cereals produced in Arunachal Pradesh are Paddy, maze, millet. The major kinds of fruits produced are almonds, walnuts, papayas, peaches, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pineapple, litchi, banana etc. The major types of vegetables produced in Arunachal Pradesh are Cucumbers, brinjals, pumpkin, sweet potato, ginger, chillies, spices like cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

 

CHALLENGES OF AGRICULTURE IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

(1 ) Shifting Cultivation ( jhum ) : Shifting cultivation (jhum) is an age-old practice popularly adopted by the hill tribes. In Arunachal pradesh aprrox. 50 % agriculture is under the jhum cultivation . This practice has numerous harmful effects on soil and climate. It ultimately affects crop production and economy of hill people. Moreover, shifting cultivation has other ill effects such as loss of forest cover, loss of wild habitat of many species of plants and animals, loss of bio- diversity, soil erosion, enhanced run-off, depleting ground water resources, siltation of water harvesting structures, drying up o f natural streams, non rainy season, non availability of fuel wood and fodder etc.

(2) Infrastructure : An effective infrastructural facility is necessary for increasing agricultural productivity. For the modernization of agriculture through technological innovations, the most essential components of infrastructure are rural electrification, transport and communication, marketing facility and education. Rural electrification is the most important infrastructure for the development of agriculture. But the progress of rural electrification in Arunachal pradesh has been extremely meager. A bulk of the villages in the hill districts are not connected with electrification.

Agricultural productivity is determined to a great extent by the proximity of a market centre to the farms and cheaper and easier transport. The farm output in a remote place may be abundantly produced. But the surplus output, if it cannot be transported easily to the markets has little value in monetary terms, and therefore, the agriculture of that place is less efficient than that in another place situated near a market centre. In a hilly region like Arunachal pradesh connectivity is a big challenge .

(3) Irrigation : Inadequate irrigation facility is one of the important reasons for low agricultural production in the state of Arunachal pradesh. Though excessive rainfall occasionally causes devastating floods in the state, co-existence of both flood and drought is not rare.

(4) Fertilizers : Irrigation and fertilizers are intimately related. Fertilizers are unusable without assured supply of sufficient water. In the same way, without the use of fertilizers, irrigation remains less effective. The use of HYY seeds also requires application of suitable doses of fertilizers. In fact, irrigation effects all the component elements of agricultural output growth. The hill zone of Assam has a very low level of fertilizer consumption.

(5) Agricultural Credit : As agriculture lies at the mercy of monsoon with uncertainty of production prevailing at all times, and as the bank’s traditional credit principles and rules are different for the illiterate farmers to understand and follow, a psychological barrier exists between the banks and the cultivators.

NEW AGRICULTURE STRATEGY

Top priority to be accorded on increasing farmers income:     The new policy would accord top priority to increasing the incomes of farmer’s. This is necessary in view of the topographic disadvantages, communication bottleneck that hindetrs other income generating activities.  The Policy, therefore, emphasizes all income generating activities like Cash crop, Floriculture, Fruit culture, Fish and Pig rearing, Agro-processing and so on along with all other activities that are considered necessary for the purpose.

Addressing problems related to Shifting Cultivation : Special emphasis to be given on shifting cultivation, ensuring better land management, introducing improved cultivation in slop land through Agro-forestry, Horticulture and encouraging other household activities. The programme is to be designed in such a way that there would be simultaneous thrust in weaning the Jhum farmers towards better cultivation.

In this regard observations of S.P. Shukla Commission Report on “Transforming the Northeast” (march 1997) pertaining to Jhum Farming is worth noting :

“Hill farming in the Northeast is largely under Jhum though there are some excellent terraces in certain states and expanding patches of wet rice cultivation. Jhum farming is becoming less productive with a shrinking Jhum cycle and has caused erosion and forest regression in certain areas. Not all Jhumias resettlement schemes have worked well; nor can jhuming be ended all at one. The problem needs to be tackled sensitively as Jhum cultivation is also a way of life. •   “The ICAR has evolved a three-tier hill farming package combining forestry, Horticulture or tree farming and terraced cultivation as one moves down the hills. Jhum improvement is advocated by others and can be carried further through appropriate R&D. Nagaland has pioneered an excellent method of upgrading Jhum by interposing a strong and increasing component of agro-forestry through assisted tree planting of selected fast growing economic timber, the menu being a producer of meticulous exercise in bio-diversity mapping, documentation and breeding of plant material for Widespread propagation. ”

Location specific strategy development: Efforts would be made to formulate an area specific differentiated strategy taking into account the agronomic, climatic, socio-economic practices as well as the resource worthiness of the farmer. Special emphasis will be made for introducing the newly developed H.Y.V. seeds, improved planting material, adoption of new technology and mechanized farming.

Convergence of allied activities: There would be a shift from the commodity approach to system approach in Agriculture. All the land based activities like that of Agriculture, Sericulture, Live Stocks, Fish rearing etc. would be given a new dimension and synergetic functional assignment. The ultimate objective is to create conditions which would help the farming community to maximize incomes. The policy will aim at avoiding duplication of programmes/works by different functionaries, as far a possible. Towards that end, there will be regular monitoring and evaluation of all schemes implemented by Agriculture and allied Departments through appropriate mechanism.

 

Technology Transfer : Importance will be accorded to identify new location specific and economically viable improved species of Agriculture, Horticulture, Livestock and Fish etc. Accordingly motivational aspect of Agriculture Extension would receive due attention. The entire extension system will be revitalized. Innovative and decentralized institutional change will be introduced to make extension system responsible and accountable. Development of human resources through capacity building and skill upgradation of Extension functionaries will receive due attention.

Supply of Inputs : Adequate and timely supply of inputs such as seed, fertilizer, pesticides, Agri-tools and implements, credit at reasonable rate to farmers will be provided by the Govt. and other institutions, subject to availability of resources and funds. Grater emphasis will be given to increase the consumption of such inputs for acheiving the targetted increase per unit area productivity. As far as possible use of organic manure/compost will be encouraged to avoid ill effects of inorganic fertilizers. Soil health card, quality testing of inputs like fertilizer, chemicals etc, will be introduced and supply of spurious inputs will be checked. On farm management of water, increasing the area under irrigation through the use of surface water and sub-surface water will receive added attention.

 

Facilitate private investment in Agriculture:  Efforts would be made to create conditions that encourages participation of the private enterprises in the establishment of Agro-based industries. An incentive package and guideline would be finalized ensuring participation of private sector & financial institutions in the Agricultural sector as a whole NABARD will have to play a major role in channelising investment . To meet local credit needs of farmers, Rural Credit Banks are to be set up.

 

Peoples participation : The new policy would encourage formation of “Self Help Group” , village committees at different levels . The village committee would be vested with the task of maintaining and managing the assets created so far like irrigation channel, terraces market shed etc.

Marketing infrastructure: Emphasis will be laid on development of marketing infrastructure and techniques of preservation, storage, and transportation etc. with a view to reduce the post harvest losses and ensuring a better return to the grower . Direct marketing and procurement by a notified State level procurement agency, as and when required with storage facilities of different items will be made available to the production areas. Upgradation and dissemination of market intelligence will receive particular attention. Efforts will be made to strengthen the market infrastructure.

Agro – processing : Setting up of Agro – processing units in production areas will be given due priority . To reduce post harvest wastage, effort would be made to add values specially to agricultural and horticultural produce by setting up small processing units. The small farmers Agricultural business consortium ( SFAC) will be activated to cater to the need of farmer entrepreneurs. Tea will be brought under Agriculture sector, but for processing it may be under industries Sector.

 

The Department of Agriculture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh is initiating to step up production and productivity of crops with the following schemes under State Plan Program under 3 (Three) major Heads of development:

(1) Crop Husbandry
(2) Agriculture Research & Education
(3) Agriculture Marketing & Quality Control

 

 

 

 

Crops Husbandry

 

Following programmes are covered under Crop Husbandry to enhance the food production and cash crops in the State:-

1. State Food Security Programme
   II. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)
   III. Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
   IV. Seed Production Programme through Govt. Agriculture Farms
   V. Chief Minister’s Agricultural Mechanization Programme
   VI. Strengthening of HRD Institution & Agriculture Programme
   VII. Cash Crops Development Programme
   VIII. Major repairs and renovation of assets (Buildings)
   IX. Promotion of Agriculture
   X. Agriculture Employment Generation Programme
   XI. Up gradation of10 (Ten) Nos. of Laboratories.

 

Agriculture research and education

The Department seeks to provide adequate stress on research by reorganizing the existing structure and pooling the existing manpower to deal effectively aiming at generating research output for the extension functionaries. Efforts are also intended to take up Research Programme on improving the productivity and generating data that suggest steps required to minimize the ill effect of Jhumming. A documentary film on Paddy-cum-Fish-Culture is also proposed for wide publicity and brings awareness to the farmers in other Districts.

Education is also an Integral part of developing the human resources in the field of Agriculture. In this Programme in which students are proposed to be sent for higher studies leading to B. Sc. (Agri.) etc. The expenditure on their stipend/Book grants etc. are to be borne by the Department.

 

Agriculture Marketing & Quality Control

 

Over the years there has been a significant increase in the production of crops like Potato, Ginger, Mustard, Vegetable, Sugarcane, Chilly & Maize in the State. The farmers are now facing the new challenge for disposal of these commodities and are deprived of the remunerative prices. All these commodities are considered as surplus and providing appropriate market avenues to the farmers is the real challenge at present to the Department.

 

 

 

Centrally Sponsored Schemes

 

The following Centrally Sponsored Schemes are being implemented in the State:-

National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) Rice was launched during the year 2012-13 In the State under Central sector scheme with 100% allocation from Govt. of India tiII 2014- 15.

During the year 2014-15, NFSM- Pulses and (NFSM) Coarse cereals were included by Govt. of India. The main objective of the scheme is to:

1. Increase the production of Rice, Pulses and Coarse cereals through expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in the identified Districts of the State.
   II. Restoring soil fertility and productivity at the individual farm level and
   III. Enhancing farm level economy (i.e. farm profits) to restore confidence amongst the farmers.

During the year 2015-16, the Govt. of India has changed the funding pattern as 50:50 (Central & State share)

 

National Mission on Oilseed & Oil Palm (NMOOP)
During the last few years, the domestic consumption of edible Oils has increased substantially and has touched the level of 10.90 million tonnes in 2011-12 and is likely to increase further. With per capita consumption of vegetable oils at the rate of 16 kg / year/person for a projected population of 1276 million, the total vegetable oils demand is likely to touch 20.4 million tonnes by 2017. A substantial portion of our requirement of edible oil is met through import of Palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Basic features & objectives
National Mission on Oilseed & Oil Palm (NMOOP) envisages increase in production of vegetable oils from oilseeds, Oil Palm and TBOs from 7.06 million tonnes (average of 2007 – 08 to 2011-12) to 9.51 million tonnes by the end of 12th Plan (2016.17).

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is one of the 8 Eight) Mission outline under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aim at promoting sustainable Agriculture through a series of adoption measures focusing on improved crop seeds, livestock and Fish culture, water use efficiency, integrated pest disease and Nutrient Management, improve Farm practices and livelihood diversification through integrated farming system approach.

Main objectives

1. 
   To make Agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative & climate resilient by promoting local specific integrated/composite farming systems.
   II. To conserve natural resources through appropriate soil & moisture conservation measures.
   III. To adopt comprehensive soil health management practices based on soil fertility map, soil test based application of macro & micro nutrient, judicious use of fertilizer etc.
   IV. To optimized utilization of water resources through efficient water management to expend coverage for achieving more crops per drop.
   V. To develop capacity of farmers and stake holders.
   VI. To establish an effective inter & intra Departmental / ministerial coordination for accomplishing key deliverables of NMSA.

 

Sub Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
The aim of the Sub-Mission of Agriculture Extension (SMAE) is to restructure and strengthen agricultural extension to enable delivery of appropriate technology and improved agronomic practices to farmers. This is envisaged to be achieved by a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach and interactive methods of information dissemination, use of ICT, popularization of modern and appropriate technologies, capacity building and institution strengthening to promote mechanization, availability of quality seeds, plant protection etc. and encourage aggregation of Farmers into Interest Groups (FIGs) to form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

In order to overcome systemic challenges being faced by the Extension System, there is a need for a focused approach in mission mode to disseminate appropriate technologies and relevant information to larger number of farmer households through inter personal and innovative methods of technology dissemination.

 

Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY)
Concerned by the slow growth in Agriculture and allied sectors, the National Development Council in its meeting held on 29th May 2007, had resolved to launch an Additional Central Assistant Scheme (ACAS) known as Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY) during the year 2007-2008 to Incentives the State Government to draw up strategic plans for natural resource issues and available technologies into accounts to enhance the public investment in Agriculture and allied sectors with a commitment to achieve 4% annual growth in Agriculture and allied sectors during 11th Five Year Plan.

 

The provision of transport infrastructure and services in Arunachal Pradesh is the responsibility of two departments—Directorate of Transport and State Transport Corporation. The former is entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the provision of Motor Vehicle Acts and Rules of State/Centre by issuing permits and licences, and collecting taxes. Inland water transportation, anti-vehicular pollution measures, and implementation of road safety programmes are some of the other functions of this department. The State Transport Corporation, on the other hand, is responsible for the provision of public transport services, which at present are limited to bus services. The following sections discuss transport sub-sectors in Arunachal Pradesh in detail.

Roads and Bridges

Roads constitute the principal mode of access and communication in the hilly and difficult terrains of the State. Presently, the State has the lowest road development index in the country. The road density 18 km per 100 sq km of area as against the Indian average of 75 km per 100 sq km and the north-eastern regional average of 52 km per 100 sq km.

Also, the lowest densities of national and state highways are found here. The levels of rural connectivity are also low as out of the total 3599 villages in Arunachal Pradesh, roads connect only 1407, i.e., roughly 40 per cent of the villages.

After Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh possesses the least length of national highways (NH) in the region. Arunachal Pradesh also exhibited the lowest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in comparison to the other states of the north-east. In terms of growth of total length of roads also, Arunachal Pradesh has exhibited a low annual growth rate, as compared to other NE states.

The bridges in the State, mostly semi-permanent and timber are currently in weak and distressed conditions. The Department of Transport had proposed a project on weighbridges in the year 2000 along with a list of proposed locations. The rationale of the proposal, besides preventing accident occurrences, was to raise revenue for the State government by charging weighing fee on the bridges.

Railways

For many years now, the status of railways in Arunchal Pradesh has been at a standstill, with the state having a negligible 1.26 km of metre guage railway line. This line forms a part of the 34.04 km Balipara-Bhalukpong metre guage section of the North with Bhalukpong being the terminal point in Arunachal Pradesh. Table 19.8 gives a state-wise description of railways in the north-eastern region. Of the total 2453 km of railway route in the north-eastern region, almost 2392 km lies in Assam itself.

In 2007, the Government of India decided to construct new railway lines from Harmoti to Naharlagun which the survey is being conducted and work has already been started.

Water Transport and Ropeways

The State consists of five well-delineated river systems—the Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang and Lohit-Tellu, which form a part of the Brahmaputra system. However, as far as inland navigation is concerned, it is only viable in the southern plains of the State overlooking the Brahmaputra river .

Currently some small-scale ferry services are in operation, carried out mostly by private operators but no planned effort has been made at developing an efficient means of water transport system in the State. In fact, no budgetary allocations have been made to this sub-sector . In the NE region, only Assam has made some progress in this region due to its geographical advantage.

Despite geographical limitations, there is potential to develop water transport systems at certain points in the medium to long term for both passenger and freight movement. This would not only be an environmentally friendly mode of transport but also help in revenue generation for the State.

Ropeways are another transportation option in the State, especially in locations where the cost of providing roads or other means cannot be justified by the demand. However, the safety concerns associated with ropeways cannot be overlooked and technology options need to be well planned before this option is developed further.

Civil Aviation

Arunachal Pradesh is only one of the few states in India which does not have any functional airport. In 1995 only the Government of India decided to run Pawan Hans Helicopter Services in Arunachal Pradesh on commercial visits.

The decision was a consequence of the limited scope of surface transportation development and the need to create a quick link between the capital and administrative centres in various districts. Initially, Pawan Hans Helicopter Services were started on two routes13 and subsequently extended to other locations to be availed on emergency situations like rescue operations during roadblocks, landslides, etc., and rendering services to government officials.

Presently there are 85 helipads, 11 advanced landing grounds (ALGs) for transporting passengers and goods for operation of Pawan Hans helicopter services and Army sortie services

 

 

The Nishi:

The Nishi occupied the hilly terrains of the Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare and East Kameng Districts of present Arunachal Pradesh. Haimendrof, says these tribesmen were earlier known as Dafla. But they now that want they should be called as Nishi. The Nishis do not have script of their language. The stories of their origin and migration are vague and unclear. Such stories are told by their ancestors from generation to generation in course of their migration.

The Daflas believed that their ancestors lived in a place called Supung which was far away in the east. First they came to a place which they remembered as Narba and, later passing through Begi, Bolo and Yalang, they crossed Shinit or Subansiri river and finally went over to another Kumme or Kamla river. From there they gradually spread over the tract lying between the Kamla and Khru rivers and pushed far up to the Palin and the Panior hills.

Hill Miris:

The Hill Miris occupied the region both sides of the Kamla river east of its confluence with the Khru and as far as its junction with the Subansiri. West of the Dirjemo and to the north of the Sissi sub-division of the Lakhimpur district, the Ghy- Ghasi Miris, the Sarak Miris north of Bordoloni, and on both banks of the hill course of the Subansiri river. The Panibotia Miris derived the name as they journeyed to the plains through the rivers on the canoes while Tarabotia Miri derived their name for traveling through land .

Hill Miris were akin to the Nishis(Daflas) both racially and culturally.  also referred to the settlement patterns between the Hill Miris and Nishis (Daflas) on the basis of their inhabitation in the mountain ridges and says that feudes between a Hill Miri village and a Nishi (Dafla) village often took place.

Apa Tanis:

The Apa Tanis are one of the few self sufficient tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, occupying a part of the Subansiri district. The highland, watered by river Kali which ultimately falls into the Panir, is inhabited by these people. The ApaTanis are not only good cultivators but expert traders and meet all their necessities in exchange of paddy which is always in excess of their requirements. Their interest has got additional momentum because of the establishment of the Headquarters of the district at Ziro in the ApaTani plateau.Till the last part of nineteenth century the existence of the Apa Tanis tribe were not known to the plain peoples.

Apa Tanis believe that their community decended from the mythical ancestor , Abo Tani, who came from a country north or north-east of Arunachal Pradesh, situated near two rivers known as Supupad Pudpumi.

Tagin:

Tagins are spread over an area covering roughly about 15000 square kms.It is bounded by China (Tibet) in the north, West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh in the East, Lower Subansiri and Kurung Kumey districts in the West, the confluence of Sinik (Subansiri) and Sigen rivers in the South west, and Sinyum river in South-East.

The Tagins are believed to have migrated from the Penzi, a village in Tibet in Tadedage region.  Tagins moved from place to place in search of cultivable land. Like the Boris, Bokars and Ramos they moved from north of Mechuka region in West Siang District. They said to have settled in two places which is located at present in Bori region. They continued their migration and in course of time changed the direction and came uphill by the bank of the river Subansiri till they reached the final place where their ancestor decided to settle down.

Adis:

The Adis occupy the east, West and upper Siang districts of the state. Previously they were knownas ‘Abor’ meaning ‘unruly’ or ‘disobedient’. They were very much independent in their nature. The astonishing change that has come over the Abors in recent years, transforming them into a friendly, co-operative, progressive community has made the use of the old name inappropriate. They themselves have suggested, the name ‘Adi’ in place of ‘Abor’.The word ‘Adi’ meant ‘hillmen’. The government then accepted this proposition.

The word ‘Adi’ covers a large number of tribal groups. They are united, although they speak in different dialects. But fundamentally it is same everywhere including their culture and temperament. The Adis fall into two main groups. One group includes the

• Minyongs,
• Padams,
• Pasis,
• Panggis,
• Shimongs,
• Boris,
• Ashings and
• Tengams

While the other is the Gallong groups consisting of

• Ramos,
• Bokars and
• Pailibos of the far north.

The Minyongs and the Gallong who were previously referred to and classified as Minyong Abor and Gallong Abor now known as Adi Minyong and Adi Gallong. The word Adi has now been prefixed to the Minyong and Gallong in the list of schedule tribes.

 

 

Bio-geographically Arunachal pradesh is situated in the Eastern Himalayan province, the richest biogeographical province of the Himalayan zone. The entire territory forms a complex hill system with varying elevations ranging from 50m in the foot-hills and gradually ascending to about 7000m, traversed throughout by a number of rivers and rivulets. Apart from large number of timber species, there are innumerable varieties and kinds of orchids, medicinal plants, ferns, bamboos, canes, wild relative of large number of our cultivated plants, and even plants of biological curiosities, such as parasites, saprophytes, etc. are found. Other important group of plants are Rhododendrons, Hedychiums and oaks etc.

Orchids form a dominant group of plants with their attractive and unique blooms. There are more than 600 species of orchids, 52 species of rhododendron, 18 species of hedychium, 16 species of oak, 18 species of canes, 45 species of bamboo in addition to large number of medicinal and aromatic plants.Arunachal Pradesh has many species of endangered, endemic, primitive, and relict flora, Magnolia Pterocarpa pterocarpa is one such primitive angiosperm, which occurs in the foot-hills. Some rare and endangered flora that occur in Arunachal Pradesh are: Amentotazus assamica in Lohit District . Rhododendron arunachalense found in Subansiri District, Rhododendron dalhousie, and Tetracentron sinense, occurring in Kameng District, Rhododendron santapaul recorded in Subansiri  District.

Gomphogyne macrocarpa found in Tirap and Kameng Districts, Gymnocladus assamicus and Lithocarpus Kamengensis available in Kameng district. Rhynchoglossum lasulinum in kameng and Subansiri District. Dendrocalamus sahni in Subansiri District.   Hypericum griffitthii in Kameng District, Coptis teeta of Dibang Valley Districts, etc.  The State harbours about 52 species of of Rhododendrons, 18 species of Hedychium , 16 species of Qaks, 33 species of Coniters and a large number of fems and lichens.

 

About 500 species of orchids occur in Arunachal Pradesh. These include about 140 species of terrestrial orchids with 15 saprophytes and about 340 epiphytes found in the different forest types. The prominent species are:  Cymbidium ansifolium , C, grandiflorum, Coelogyne corymbosa. Dendroblum aphylla, D. fimbriatum var occulatum, D. densiflorum, Calanthe masuca, Phaius flavus, Paphiopedilum. Tairriearum, venustum renanthera imschootiana, vanda coenulea , etc. Rhynchostylis refusa is the state flower of Arunachal pradesh.

Types of forests in Arunachal pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of nature. It is one of the maximum forest cover state of India, Sixty one percent of its geographical area comprises forests. The forests are spread over an elevation of 100 m. in the foothill regions to 7,000 m in the Himalayas . Such an ecological diversity has naturally resulted in varying forest types.   The tropical forests at the foothills up to the height of 1,000 m are of the wet evergreen variety as well as the tropical evergreen variety and the riverine semi green variety. Then there are the sub tropical forests 1,000-2,000 m), the pine forests 1,000-2,000 m) and the temperate forests 2,000-3,000m). There are both the broad-leafed temperate forests as well as the conifer forests. The bamboo forests and grasslands have not been enlisted so far.

Tropical forests  :These forests occur up to an elevation of 900 metres above MSL . They are persent in all the districts along the foothills . These forests can further be classified into two main types viz. tropical evergreen forests and tropical semi evergreen forests.

Subtropical forests : This type of forests occur in districts between altitudes 800m to 1900m. These are essentially evergreen and dense in nature. The trees attain large dimensions (25-40m high). The forests are rich in species diversity and dominated by Fagaceae members. Castaniopsis lidica, C. armata, Quercus lamellose, Q. griffithili, Q. spicata, Q. Semiserrata, Q. fenestrala, Michelia ,Ulmus lancifolium, Engelhardia spicata, Ficus spp. Acer oblongum, Schima wallichji, S.khasiana, etc. are the dominant tree species. Luxurious growth of climbers, orchids & ferns, occurs in these forests.

Pine forests: These forests extend both in the subtropical and temperate belt in between 1000 m to 1800 m elevation. These are generally met with in rain shadow area and are represented by three different sepecsies viz. Pinus roxburghii, P. wallichiana and P.merkusii. Sub Tropical Pine Forest is found in Rupa and Dirang valley of Kameng district and forms either pure stands or occasionally mixed with P. wallichiana, Quercus spp, Prunus sp. Etc. P. wallichiana is widely distributed in Rupa, Dirang valley (Kameng district), Hapoli ( Lower Subansiri district), Mechuka (West Siang district), Anini (Dibang valley district). and Melinja     ( Lohit district). In Kameng, Siang and Lower Subansiri district it is found in nearly pure stands or less frequently mixed with P. roxburghii, Quercus spp. Lyonia sp. Etc. In Dibang valley they are found in association with Betula alnoides, Alnus nepalensis, Lyona ovalifolia, etc. In Lohit district it is less extensive and is associated with Tsuga dimosa, Pinus merkusii, occurs in Lohit district along the Lohit valley extending from Kharang (Hawal) to Dichu.

Temperate forests: Occur in all districts of Arunachal pradesh as a continuous belt and can be divided into two subtypes viz. Temperate broad leaved forests and Temperate conifer forests.

Alpine forests : This type of vegetation occurs on the peaks of higher hills above an altitude of 4000 m upto 5500m above timber line. For major part of the year, the area is covered by snow and plant activity is restricted to a few months when snow melts.       Alpine Vegetaion As a rule there are no tall trees but dwarf branches and shrubs and mainly herbs with deep roots and cushioned leaves and branches. The profusion of bright coloured flowers which is purely seasonal for a brief period makes the area highly attractive. Plans like Rhododendron nivale., R. anthopogon, R. thomsonii, Sedum sp.., Festuca sp.., Rhodiola sp,.. Saxifraga sp. Saussaurea sp,. Arenaria sp,. Rheum sp. etc. form the major constituent of this peculiar vegetation.

Bamboo Forests and Grasslands : Bamboo trees are seen throughout Arunachal Pradesh. They grow in pure stands with less associated species. Bamboos appear in areas abandoned after shifting cultivation. Bamboos of Arunachal Pradesh are Bambusa tulda, Pseudostachyum polymorphum, Cephalostachyum that occur in higher elevation between 1000m-2000m.   Grasslands are found in plains and at higher elevations. It is maintained through recurring annual fires at higher elevation and excessive grazing at lower elevations. In lower elevation Saccharum spontaneum, Neyraudia reynaudiana, Chrysopogon aciculatus are the common grasslands that are visible.

 

 

Irrigation system was little known to the Arunachalees till 1950. Despite hilly terrain, low crop productivity and small land holdings, primary occupation of major population of Arunachal Pradesh is agriculture. Although the geographical area is larger than Assam, cultivable flat and mild slope area in the State is limited and hence every acre of irrigable land is to be planned properly to increase the productivity. Many farmers are resorting to shifting cultivation with primitive agricultural practices. In order to discourage the environmentally adverse shifting cultivation, permanent cultivation with assured irrigation facilities to the limited available area is the endeavor of the Govt.

The ultimate irrigation potential of Arunachal Pradesh is 3.60 lakh hectare through surface water and 0.18 lakh hectare through ground water at irrigation intensity of 200%. This figure, which accounts for about 2.00% of State’s geographical area, needs to be reviewed in due course of time. The actual ultimate irrigation potential is expected to be more than 3.60 lakh hectare due to population growth leading to de-reservation of social forestry and unclassified forests for agricultural purposes.

 

The ultimate irrigation potential of 3.60 hectare through surface water implies that net potential area available for irrigated cultivation is 1.80-lakh hectare. This indicates that irrigation potential creation and its utilization need to be emphasized to meet the growing demand of anticipated population growth. Judicious irrigation management practices through active participatory approach require to be stepped up.

 

Minor Irrigation

All Ground Water and Surface Water Schemes that have a Culturable Command Area (CCA) up to 2,000 ha. individually are classified as Minor Irrigation Schemes. The development of Ground Water is mostly done through individual and cooperative efforts of the farmers, with the help of institutional finance and through own savings. Surface Minor Irrigation Schemes are generally funded from the Public Sector outlay.

Geological fragility of Himalayan Region combined with highest rainfall intensity in the State result in frequent damages to the irrigation structures constructed earlier. Many minor irrigation projects have been rendered defunct due to water related damages. It is reported that about 30% of created potential (0.36 Lakh hectare) are lying defunct due to water related damages.

As against the potential creation of 1.20-lakh hectare, potential utilization is reported to be 0.48 lakh hectare, which is 40% of potential created. There exists a utilization gap of 60% at present. Expansion of area of utilization is done through the Command Area Development and Water management programme with active involvement of Water Users Associations in several commands.

 

Major and Medium Irrigation 

Topography of the State does not offer much scope for taking up Major Irrigation Projects. However, several feasible locations are available for Medium Irrigation Projects in the foothill and valleys of the State. The Detailed Project Reports/ Feasible Reports of following investigated projects have been brought out so far:

 

(i) Deopani Multipurpose Project: Located in Lower Dibang Valley District, this project envisages irrigation potential creation of 5000 hectare CCA with power generation of 4 MW.

 

(ii) Pappu Valley Medium Irrigation Project: Located in East Kameng District, this project envisages irrigation potential creation of 2000 hectare CCA along with power generation of 750 KW.

 

(iii) Medium Irrigation Project at Paya, Hatiduba, Yealiang and Zeko Village under Sunpura Circle: This project is located in Lohit District under Sunpura administrative circle. It envisages irrigation potential creation of 2170 hectare CCA.

 

In addition to above, one Medium Irrigation Project at Sille Remi in East Siang District.

 

Command Area Development 

The irrigation potential created is brought under utilization through Command Area Development Programme. Under this programme, construction of on-farm-development (OFD) components like field channel, field drain, reclamation of water-logged areas within the command and correction of system deficiency are taken care of as hardware activities of the programme.

 

It also covers regulatory water distribution activity called warabandi, formation of registered water user association (WUA), training to the officers and farmers as software activities of the programme. The programme aims at establishing a close partnership between the farmers (water users) and the implementing Govt. Department with the ultimate objective of transferring the responsibility of irrigation management system to the farmers.

 

Out of 1.20 lakh hectare net irrigation potential created, about 0.48 lakh hectare only has been brought under utilization. The utilized area works out to be 40% only leaving 60% potential created unutilized. With the help of Govt. of India, CSS Command Area Development programmes are under implementation in a phased manner to narrow down the existing gap of 60%.

 

 

 

Population

As per details from Census 2011, Arunachal Pradesh has population of 13.84 Lakhs, an increase from figure of 10.98 Lakh in 2001 census. Total population of Arunachal Pradesh as per 2011 census is 1,383,727 of which male and female are 713,912 and 669,815 respectively. In 2001, total population was 1,097,968 in which males were 579,941 while females were 518,027.
papum pare has the highest population followed by changlang, lohit and west siang while Dibang Valley has the lowest population.

Density of Population

According to 2011 census, the population density in Arunachal Pradesh is only 17 people per sq km against the country’s 325. Higest density is in Papum Pare and Lowest in Dibang valley

Population Growth

The total population growth in this decade was 26.03 percent while in previous decade it was 26.21 percent. The population of Arunachal Pradesh forms 0.11 percent of India in 2011. In 2001, the figure was 0.11 percent.  Highest increase in Kurung Kamey and lowest in upper siang.

Literacy Rate

In 2011, Arunachal Pradesh had a literacy rate of 65.38 per cent . The male literacy was 72.55 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh while female literacy stands at 57.70 %.

Literacy is highest in Pamuppare and lowest in Kurung Kumey.

Sex Ratio

The overall sex ratio of Arunachal Pradesh is not comparable with that of other states because of a large migration. As we have seen before, 35.78 per cent of the population in Arunachal Pradesh belongs to general category most of whom are either migrants from other states or descendants of the migrants.

Sex Ratio of Arunachal Pradesh is 938. Sex Ratio is highest in kurung Kumey and is lowest in Tawang District. Child Sex Ratio of Arunachal Pradesh is 972 and is much higher than country’s average.

Rural-Urban Distribution

Urbanisation is relatively new in Arunachal Pradesh; prior to 1971 there was no urban population. In 1971 census, for the first time, four administrative centres were counted as urban. By 2001, there were 17 towns and 20.75 per cent of the population was urban. Papum Pare, the district in which the capital of the State is located, has the highest level of urbanisation, 50.85 per cent, and Upper Siang has no urbanisation at all.

Scheduled Tribes and General Category

In 1961, the ST category formed the overwhelming majority of the population (88.67 per cent), and the nonST only 11.33 per cent. The relative size of the non-ST category, however, increased in subsequent years. In 1991, this category became as high as 36.34 per cent of the total; in the 1990s its relative size, however, declined, reaching 35.78 per cent of the population in 2001.

The non-tribal population in Arunachal Pradesh is not evenly distributed; their presence is more in the urban than in the rural areas. Kurung Kumey, a hilly district with no urban areas, has the lowest percentage of the non-tribal population. At the other end is Lohit, a district with extensive plains bordering the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, has the highest concentration of the non-tribal population.