Arunachal Geography

Arunachal Pradesh being a land of Undulating topography and varied agro-climatic conditions offer vast potential for the development of Horticulture for growing varieties of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fruits, vegetable including off season vegetables), spices, aromatic and medicinal plants flowers and mushroom. The fruits being perennial in nature help in checking soil erosion and provide high density green cover to the soil.

Horticulture is the backbone and future of rural economy.  The practice of shifting cultivation has various adverse effect on ecology and poses silting problems in the plains as millions of tonnes of soil is eroded and washed down through rain water depleting the nutrient status of soils of the hills every year. To check the erosion it is essential to cover such area by perennial and other suitable crops of economic importance so that rural people may get employment and generate income through such ventures.

Horticulture Zones

• Foothills and Valleys ( 170-915 Mtr. Altitudes)– potential area in hectares is 145000 hectares. Crops cultivated are Citrus, Guava, Banana, Mango. Litchi, Pine apple, Sapota, Jackfruit, Papaya, Plum, Pear, etc. seasonal vegetables.

 

• Mid Hills (915-1803 Mtr)- potential area in hectares is 140,000 hectares. Crops cultivated are Apples, Plum, Apricot, Pear, Almond, Low Chilling apple, Pomegranate, Olive, Grapes, etc. seasonal vegetables for seed, and truck gardening.

 

 

• High Hills (above 1830 Mtr.)- Potential area in hectares is 145000 hectares. Crops cultivated are Apples, Cherry, Walnut, Chestnu, Peanut, Pomegranate, etc. off season vegetables and production of temperate vegetable seeds.

 

• Rain shawow area below 40” annual rainfall (with wide range of chilling requirement and temperature)- potential area in hectares is 31000 hectares. Crops cultivated are Apple, Pear, Plum, Preach, Apricot, Almond, Walnut, Pomegranate, etc. off season vegetables.

 

Horticulture – purpose it can serve

• To provide better nutrition to people through fruits, vegetables for their own consumption and sale for cash income.
• To support inducted population through perishable commodities for administrative centres, model village institutions, defence and para military installations.
• To provide additional income to small and marginal farmers through vegetables and quick growing fruits like Banana, Papaya, Guava, Lime etc.
• To select existing indigenous material for seedling root stock, use and trails.
• To replace abandoned Jhums by suitable fruit trees & plantation cover.
• To provide increasing rate of tree cover and improve ecology and environment.
• To provide better water retention capacity and perennial water sources in tree plantation areas.
• To eliminate destruction of biomass under the wasteful practice of slash burn (Jhum).
• To explore possibilities and develop projects for import substitution and export development production.

What needs to be done

• ensure quality planting material of Horticulture crops.
• Reduction in losses through the development of suitable infrastructure and creation of awareness.
• Establishment of market system having forward and backward linkage.
• Development of quality plants and seeds.
• Development of quality testing laboratory.
• Skillful and efficient transfer of technology.
• Application of information technology in Horticulture.
• Ensure credit support and risk management.

 

Various Schemes for Development of  Horticulture

• Control of shifting cultivation.
• Maintenance of Farm of Nurseries.
• Kitchen gardening and Floriculture.
• Horticulture Fair & Exhibition.
• Mushroom Development Programme.
• Fruit Preservation.
• Kiwi Cultivation.

Technology mission for the integrated development of horticulture in Arunachal Pradesh

Owing to diverse agro-climatic condition horticulture has been   identified as main activity for development in the state. Mission mode programme having and to go and approach is vital for achieving desired goal. Accordingly Technology Mission for Integrated Development  of Horticulture was mooted for establish convergence and synergy among numerous ongoing governmental programme in the field of horticulture development to achieve horizontal and vertical integration of these programmes.

 

 

 

Animal husbandry plays a very important role in the day to day socio-economic life of the local tribal population. Rearing of animal is very common among them. The environment also affects the food habits of the people in high cold mountains, making it necessary to have a high fat and protein rich diet. Though hunting is still practiced but it is not done on regular basis to ensure a continuous supply of meat and since meat is an important element in their diet, they rear 193 many animals like cow, pig, goat, duck, hen etc for meat. Apart from supplying meat, these domesticated animals and fowls are also used as offerings during rituals. Pigs, cows, fowls and eggs are extensively used during rituals.

Pigs

Animal husbandry, particularly of pigs, is closely integrated with the agricultural systems . In their society the domesticated pig plays a very important role. It is a domesticated animal and even treated as a pet. Pig has multiple functions for them. Pigs make a major contribution to human diet and symbolic feasts throughout Asia. Pork is extremely important in terms of both nutrition and social value. Pork is always a preferred food and it is a great source of fat and protein. Fat is critically important for proper metabolism and for adequate calories to maintain body temperatures during cold periods.

Pigs contributed the most meat per year followed by cattle and mithuns. Breeding of pig is time consuming but they are of considerable importance both economically and ritually to them. They also consume pigs which are ritually sacrificed. Apart from dietary and ritual importance pig also plays important role in festivals and social transactions.

Pigs are one of the main economic assets reserved for wedding feasts; settling disputes; paying fines for fighting or breaking the law. Because of its fertility, pig plays a prominent part in matrimonial matters. Among them it was customary for the bridegroom’s family to send to the bride’s family gifts of pigs or pig meat. Pigs are also considered as expensive prestige goods therefore it is also used as a medium of exchange as well as it forms an item of community feast.  Pigs are also very productive because of their high reproductive rate, and they are very resistant to disease and produce a large amount of fertilizer for farming . Hence, it is quite efficient and economically reliable to have pigs for the Adi-Galos. In olden days, pig sty was attached with the main house but nowadays pig pens are made separately from the dwelling place of the people but within the same compound.

Chicken and Fowls

In addition to pigs, chicken and fowl are other domesticated animal kept by them. Similarly chickens are also bred and used as sacrificial items on numerous rituals. Fowls and eggs are in regular demand as every ritual needs its sacrifice. These fowls are also fed every morning and evening. For their protection small houses are made with bamboo.

Livestock

A very important animal is a rare species of livestock is the mithun (Bos frontalis). It is a semi-domesticated animal and indigenous to North-East India. The animal has got good potential for production of quality meat, milk and leather. Mithun apart from being an important subsistence source for direct consumption, represent the wealth of a person. Mithuns are used primarily as means of exchange in bride-wealth and other reciprocal transactions. In local mythology, is the first born of the union of earth and sky. Mithun is considered highly important by them for its value and its usefulness.

Mithun  represents wealth and status in Adi-Galo society. It brings prestige and political power to the owner and at the same time it is in great demand for big rituals. There are major big rituals where the sacrifice of mithun is mandatory and without which the ritual is a failure. Unlike cattle and sheep, mithun cannot be herded. They are not kept in the house but left free in the dense forest. But the family can recognize their mithun by any distinguishing mark that they make on the ears or other body parts of the mithun.

All the commodities and materials in Adi-Galo society are valued in terms of mithun. Before any important ritual or marriage ceremony, groups of young men go to the forest looking for mithuns. Searching for mithun in the forest is very tiresome. The group is divided into subgroups and they spread themselves to search for the mithun. There are times when the search goes for even more than a week and the people would remain in the forest until the mithun is found. They would take food along with them as they go out of the house. They would depend on the jungle for their subsistence if required. They would take salt along with them to protect themselves from leeches, which can be very dangerous as the forest is leech infested. The skulls of the mithun sacrificed in any important ritual or marriage are hung on the walls of the house as a social display of wealth as it signifies the wealth and status of the family. Mithuns are cheap to maintain as forest resources for grazing are plentiful. Under such circumstances, the economic efficiency is high, with little maintenance costs. Also, since these animals are strongly territorial they need no special care.

Apart from mithun, they also bred cows but cows are never used for milking. The only purpose of cow is for meat. The entire process of mithun search can be of real importance to understand huntergathering societies, and draw parallels for archaeological interpretations.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

Arunachal Pradesh Table Data

Description	2011	2001
Approximate Population	13.84 Lakhs	10.98 Lakh
Actual Population	1,383,727	1,097,968
Male	713,912	579,941
Female	669,815	518,027
Population Growth	26.03%	26.21%
Percantage of total Population	0.11%	0.11%
Sex Ratio	938	893
Child Sex Ratio	972	964
Density/km2	17	13
Density/mi2	43	34
Area(Km2)	83,743	83,743
Area mi2	32,333	32,333
Total Child Population (0-6 Age)	212,188	205,871
Male Population (0-6 Age)	107,624	104,833
Female Population (0-6 Age)	104,564	101,038
Literacy	65.38 %	54.34 %
Male Literacy	72.55 %	63.83 %
Female Literacy	57.70 %	43.53 %
Total Literate	766,005	484,785
Male Literate	439,868	303,281
Female Literate	326,137	181,504

 

 

Wildlife is the main source of ecotourism in any country. Wildlife is not only attracts

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh

Wildlife santuary Name	Year	Area
D’Ering Memorial (Lali) WLS	1978	190
Dibang WLS	1991	4,149.00
Eagle Nest WLS	1989	217
Itanagar WLS	1978	140.3
Kamlang WLS	1989	783
Kane WLS	1991	31
Mehao WLS	1980	281.5
Pakhui/ Pakke WLS	1977	861.95
Sessa Orchid WLS	1989	100
Tale Valley WLS	1995	337
Yordi-RabeSupse WLS	1996	397

 

National Parks in Arunachal Pradesh

Name of National Park	Year	Total Area
Mouling National Park	1986	483
Namdapha National Park	1983	1807.82

 

DayingEring Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary

DayingEring Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh has all the necessary character to approve a strong eco-tourism sector. The Arunachal Pradesh Siang River (Brahmaputra in Assam) surrounds the northern, eastern, and western parts of the Arunachal Pradesh DayingEring Wildlife Sanctuary.

The southern part of this sanctuary extends into the adjoining state of Assam where it is called Kobo Chapori.

The DayingEring Wildlife Reserve tous covers a total area of 190 square km. The major part (75%) of the DayingEring Wildlife safari tours takes you to the alluvial grasslands, wooded areas constitute about 15%, and the rest is water.

 

Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary

Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is located in the West Kameng District of the state. The sanctuary covering an area of 217 square km, shelters various animals and birds. The various animals seen here are elephants, tigers, leopards, sambars, serows, gorals, red panda to name a few.

The vegetation is very rich and exhaustive. The lush green surroundings in the area are very impressive and breathtaking.

 

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located to the northeast of Anini the headquarters of the Upper Dibang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh. Lying in the lush Dibang Valley, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 4149 square km. The surrounding area of the sanctuary inhabits by the Idu Mishmi tribes.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is spread over an area of about 140 square km with rare and varied species of flora & fauna. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Arunachal Pradesh is actually in Naharlagun, the other part of Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh.

Mahao Wildlife Sanctuary

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh covers an area of 281 sq.km. near the Roing, in the Lower Dibang valley District.

Kane Wildlife Sanctuary

Kane Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the district of West Siang in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. Kane Wildlife Sanctuary Arunachal Pradesh is spread over an area of about 55 square km. The wildlife that can be seen here is elephant, small cats, deer etc. The vegetation is very rich with varieties of plantations. The sanctuary offers a pleasantsurroundings.

NamdaphaNational Park

Spread over an area of 1,985 square km, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is largest national park of the northeast region. It is also one of the largest wildlife protected areas In India. The Namdapha National Park is a few kilometers away from Miao the district headquarters situated on the Indo-Burma border. The landscape of the park is very challenging, as it covers a wide range of altitudes from 100 m to 4,500 m. The Namadapha National Park at Arunachal Pradesh has diverse and rich stock of flora and fauna that are typical of this area.

Sessa Orchid Santuary

Arunachal Pradesh located in the extreme North East corner of India is indeed an enchanting land with rich, varied, and colorful flora and fauna. The lush green forests spread over numerous hills rising from about 100 m to a height of about 7000 m encamped with eternal snow and networked by numerous rivers, provide congenial environment to myriads of life’s that coexist harmoniously. A most striking feature of the exhaustive vegetation that one finds here are lovely and colorful orchids, which bloom in abundance with myriads of colours and forms.

Sessa Orchid Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh is one such storehouse of orchids. Covering an area of 100 square km. between Bomdila and Bhalukpong, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh is rich with varieties of orchid in amazing colors and sizes.

Climate varies across Arunachal in proportion to the altitude, the weather of Arunachal Pradesh differs though overall it has a pleasant and temperate climate.The high altitude areas near the Himalayas observe tundra (or alpine) climate, while those at lesser elevation enjoy a temperate weather.

The sea-level areas bordering Assam experience sub-tropical climate. The climate of Arunachal is governed by the Himalayan system and the altitudinal differences. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayan province.

The entire territory forms a complex hill system with varying elevations ranging from 50m in the foot-hills and gradually ascending to about 7,000m, traversed throughout by a number of rivers and rivulets.

In the Upper Himalayas, where elevation is really high, alpine or tundra type of weather is experienced while temperate climate is enjoyed in the middle Himalayas.

However, in areas at sea level base and far removed from the Himalayan range, people find the climate to be humid and sub-tropical. These plains have warm summers and pleasant winters. It receives heavy showers of about 200-400 cm between the months of May and September.

Warm summer, cold winter

The summer season begins in March and extends till August in the plains. Between June and August the temperature sometimes goes up to 40 to 42 degree Celsius.

During summers, the maximum temperature recorded in the foothills is 40 degree Celsius. However, the average temperature during winters varies from 15 to 21 degree Celsius.

Winters officially arrive in November and prevail till the month of February. The high altitude regions become very cold during winters.

Arunachal Pradesh is best to visit during the months of October-March. The higher regions witness snowfall during winter. The snowfall and the alpine climate of Arunachal Pradesh largely draw tourists from the different parts of the world to tour the upper reaches of Arunachal Pradesh.

Unique location of Arunachal

The north-eastern state shares its borders with only two Indian states – Assam in the south and Nagaland in the south-east. As regards other countries, Myanmar lies to its east, Bhutan to its west, and Tibet to its north.

The extended Himalayan ranges in the eastern part separates the state from China. Further, the ranges widen near Nagaland, and form a frontier among India and Burma in Changlang and Tirap district.

Its topography is well-defined by mountain ranges and sub-mountainous terrains, beside the northern parts. Rivers, like Brahmaputra, Kameng, Siang, Lohit, Subansiri, Tirap, etc. flow through its expanse, and provide fresh waters to the dwellers.

Climate variations a blessing

The extreme variation of climate within Arunachal has been more a blessing than disadvantage because the micro level agro climatic conditions are congenial for growth of diverse crops that suit the different climatic requirement in the same season in different agro-ecological zones.

Heterogeneous climate and soil conditions of the state are an advantage. There is a vast area suitable for temperate fruits of both high and low chilling requirements. But the major areas of the state are fit for tropical and subtropical fruits.

Apple is a major fruit of temperate areas which is a unique aspect of Arunachal among the north eastern states. On the other hand, mandarin, sweet orange and pineapple among others grow abundantly in the mid and foothill areas. The outstanding strength of the state is that its varied agro ecological zones and the farming system approach (FSA) supports growth of a large variety of crops in every season.

 

 

Arunachal Pradesh has all districts headquarter as large urban congregation. However, following are the major cities and tourist places of Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Itanagar
2. Tawang

• Ziro

1. Pasighat
2. Bomdilla
3. Bhismaknagar

• Malinithan

 

1. Itanagar:

Itanagar is the state capital. Itanagar has following place of attractions

1. Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary,
2. The State Museum,
3. Ita Fort,
4. Ganga Lake,
5. Polo Park etc.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling sanctuary that houses various species including langur, antelopes, Himalayan black bear, porcupines, goral and many more. The bird species is more than 400 in number and hence this place is great for birdlovers.

The gallery in State Museum has great collections that speak of the rich heritage of the tribes in the state.

Ita Fort is an ancient monument belonging to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Ganga Lake offers scenic views with the green forest and orchids around.

Polo Park is a botanical garden and it soothes our mind.

 

1. Tawang:

Tawang is a mountain town located on the north-west part of Arunachal Pradesh.Tawang has Tibet to its north, Bhutan to its southwest and mountain range of West Kameng to its east.

It is located 10000 feet above Mean Sea Level. Tawang has beautiful lakes around .The 400-year-old Tawang monastery is not only one among the oldest but it is named one among the largest Indian monasteries.

 

• Ziro

The town is home to the people of Apatani tribe, who are recognized by their facial tattoos and women who wear nose plugs. A visit to the town is trully a refreshing one as it is dotted with a number of tourist attractions such as Talley valley, ZiroPutu Shiva Linga at Kardo, Tapyo Salt, Fish Farms and so on. The charm of Ziro has made it earn the tag of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. Pasighat:

Pasighatis one of the oldest and important towns of Arunachal Pradesh. Settled at an elevation of 155m above the sea level, the town is famous for picturesque beauty and tranquil surrounding alluring many travelers to this place.

Pasighat boasts of a number of tourist spots including DayingEringSanctuary , which is home to wild elephants, smaller predators, deers and several migratory birds such as hornbills, storks, wild ducks and cranes.

Also, one has to cruise through river Siang by boat to reach the sanctuary; and Pangin, an exotic location where River Siyom meets River Siang.

Other major attractions of the place are KekarMonying, Komsing and Gomsi. The location doesn’t not seem to disappoint its adventure lovers too as they can indulge in exciting adventures like river rafting, angling, trekking and fishing.

 

1. Bomdilla:

A small beautiful town, Bomdilais settled at an altitude up to 8000 ft. above the sea level and is one of the most important attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. The town boasts of a number of Buddhist monasteries which are storehouse to the very culture, spirit and essence of the land.

Bomdila not only serves its visitors with its scenic charm and important places of interest, but also with several exciting adventures including hiking and trekking. The town is famous for its apple orchards and awe-inspiring views of Kameng valley and snow-capped mountains making it a wonderland for nature lovers. The lush greenery of the place makes every traveler relax like never before.

The important places of interest in Bomdila include Tibetan monasteries, Orchid research and development, ethnographic museums and craft center. VisitorsalsovisitsTawang Town around 237km away, a town with 400 years old Buddhist monastery. Bomdila is also famous for some unique buys such as Tibetan carpets, beautiful painting and thangkas exhibiting a large section of tradition of Buddhist and Tibetan culture.

 

1. Bhismaknagar:

Bhismaknagar is located near the Brahmaputra River, not very far from Assam state.

• Malinithan:

Malinithan is an archaeological site, which consists of ruins of a Hindu temple of the early medieval period on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The archaeological studies of the ruins indicate that the temple was built with granite stones during the period of Aryan influence in the region, distinct from the other temples in the northeastern region built with bricks.Durga is believed to be the chief deity who was worshipped in the ruined temple in her Shakthi form.

 

Some of the other tourist places are Namdapha National Park, SonaiRupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tezu, Roing etc.

 

Arunachal Pradesh having wide variations in geological structure, aquatic habitats are also distributed in variable climates in accordance with the changed altitude ranging from 100 m to 7,000 m above msl (Final report, SBSAP 2002). Therefore, fishery activities in Arunachal Pradesh are grouped accordingly in three distinct ecological zones based on land physiography and climate. These are

Lower altitude or tropical zone (covering 10% of the state’s total area)

extends up to 300 m from the mean sea level (msl) covering the foot hills and plains with warm water aqua resources bordering Assam and Nagaland i.e. lower belt fishery.

The middle altitude or subtropical zone (covering 70% of the state’s total area)

Includes area within 300-1200 m ofmsl having maximum fish diversity with both cold and warm water aqua resources of varying production level i.e. mid-altitude fishery.

The high altitude or alpine zone (covering 20% of state’s total area)

Including the areas above 1200 m of msl i.e. suited ideally for coldwater fishery.

Numbers of tributaries of five major rivers along with network of hill streams forms the drainage system of the state. The fisheries resources of Arunachal Pradesh consist of

• rivers (2000 km);
• reservoirs (160 ha);
• beels, lakes & swamps (2500 ha);
• ponds/mini barrages (250 ha) and
• low-lying areas (575 ha) (Sugunan, 2007).

48% fish production of the state is contributed by ponds & tanks followed by paddy fields (41%), beels and lakes (6%) and rivers & streams (5%).

On the other hand, fish production potential of different fisheries resources of Arunachal Pradesh are rivers (400t);

• reservoirs 6 (16t);
• beels, lakes & swamps (Capture- 1350t, Culture-2500t);
• ponds/mini barrages (3750t) and low lying paddy fields (1400t) (Sugunan, 2007).

Thus, the state has a fish production potential of 9416t. According to the year 2009 fish production records, the state has produced 2772.70 tonnes of fishes. Thus there is huge gap of 6644t between the present level fish production and the fish production potential of the state.

Development Schemes

1.Rural Aquaculture: For development excavation of new ponds through peoples participation with necessary Govt. subsidy assisted. The estimated production under this scheme varies between Rs. 7,500/- per ha. The response of the farmer is very encouraging under this programme and there is a great pressure for more assistance.

Paddy-cum-fish culture :
This also a subsidy scheme against which technical guidance towards development of Paddy plots and subsidy against inputs i.e. fish seed and TPT etc. are provided. Through this programme, Common Carp variety of fish is raised alongwith the Paddy. The programme is very popular in Apatani Plateau, Ziro in Lower SubansiriDistrict . 3.Reclamation of Beels/Lakes :           This is a programme for both in the Private and Govt. sector for Capture and Culture fisheries for production of Table fish. Under Private sector scheme fish seeds are provided. 4. Cold Water Fishery : This is a programme for introduction of exotic/endomic trout s in snow-fed streams and other areas including establishment  of trout farm/hatchery in Govt. sector. Mahaseer – The Premier Sport Fish abound  in the State. This potential resource led to the holding of an International Angling Festival” consecutive for two years and the prospects for Tourism needs no further elaboration. Cold Water fishery – TROUT FISHERY both Brown and Rainbow Trout variety being cultured for stocking the cold water resources has gained popularity for providing recreation to the Defence personal posted in the forward areas of West Kameng&Tawang district and the State is therefore regarded as the Pioneering State in the field in Fish Breeding  – through Echo-hatcheries for the Indian major Carps(Rohu,Mrigal,Catla,Gonius) & Exotic Carps (Silver Carp & Grass Carp) at EmchiPapumare District and Lathao in Lohit District and Trout Breeding(Brown & Rainbow) in West Kameng&Tawang District are yet another milestone of achievement in the field of Fisheries

 

 

 

Arunachal Pradesh has rural base of economy as over seventy percent of population still live in about 3863 villages. Statistical Abstract of Arunachal Pradesh, 2008, shows that about 58.44 percent of population belongs to the category of cultivators, 3.85 percent agricultural labourers, 0.86 percent workers in household industries, and 36.85 percent other types of workers. Their main occupations are agriculture and animal husbandry. Tribal communities of the state follow both the shifting cultivation and sedentary agriculture.

Shifting Cultivation

In this form of agriculture practice first a forest land is selected. Then it is cleared and dried twigs are burnt on spot and thus land is prepared for sowing. After doing cultivation on such a plot for a few years it is left to regain fertility and the community moves to another plot. They return to the old plot after three years. In this way they shift from one plot to another. In the olden days when land was sufficiently available and there was no population pressure this system was practical to the tribal communities considering their life patterns and little advancement of modern scientific method of farming. At that time the cycle of one shifting was also between 10 and 20 years so there was no adverse effect of this practice on environment. The left over areas regained fertility and there was sufficient growth of vegetation on them in the meantime. So, ecological balance was maintained. Main crops cultivated in jhum lands include food grains, vegetables, root crops and fruit species.

Major Crops are

Rice

Rice is staple food of the people of this region as a whole. In Arunachal Pradesh production of rice is highest among all food crops. Five major districts in relation to rice production are Changlang , West Siang , East Siang , Lohit  and Papum Pare . Whereas in terms of production of all food crops during the same period five major districts were Changlang, West Siang, East Siang, Lohit, and Lower Dibang Valley.

Commercial Crops

Among the commercial crops oil seeds, potato, ginger and chilies are produced in all the districts of state in varying quantities.

Oilseeds

Lohit district produced the highest quantity of oil seeds  followed by Lower Dibang Valley , East Siang , Changlang  and West Siang .

Potato

During the same period the production of potato was highest in Lohit  followed by East Siang , Lower Subansiri , Tawang , and Lower Dibang Valley .

Ginger

Production of ginger was highest in Lower Dibang Valley , followed by Lohit , East Siang , Changlang  and Upper Subansiri .

Chilli

Production of chili was highest in Changlang , followed by Upper Subansiri , Lower Subansiri , Anjaw , and West Siang .

Among other commercial crops sugarcane was produced highest in East Siang (7280MT), followed by Changlang (4899MT), Papum Pare (2888MT), West Siang (2663MT), and Lower Subansiri (1450MT).

Turmeric was produced in highest quantity in Lower Dibang Valley (616MT), Lohit (387MT), East Siang (369MT), West Siang (234MT) and Papum Pare (116MT).

Horticulture Crops

Apart from food and commercial crops, horticultural crops are equally important. They are the backbone of rural economy of Arunachal Pradesh, as pointed out by the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North East Region (FINER). A good agro-climatic condition and topography of the state is most suitable for cultivation of various tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fruits like apple, orange, pineapple, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, aromatic and medicinal plants.

Apple

Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a major apple-growing state in the north-east. It grows apple in 8,400 ha and produces 9,500 tonnes apples. Its productivity is 1.1 tonnes/ha, which is extremely low, and the major constraints are low-density plantation of inferior varieties, lack of pollination management, inadequate and imbalanced use of plant protection, irrigation and nutrient management practices and poor canopy.

Mandarin
It is a leading state for production of mandarin, but plantations continue to suffer due to die-back and low productivity. Low productivity is due to old orchards seedling stock, poor management of nutrients and water coupled with incidences of insect pests and diseases. Low pH of soil also attributes to low productivity.

Department of Agriculture

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
   ii. Agriculture Research & Education
   iii. 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. Laboratories
   XII. Organizing Sustainable Mountain Development Summit- IV

Agricultural Research & 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.

 

 

Given a highly complex relation spanning the demographic and socio-economic variables, it is difficult to work out the relationship in both ways. So, focus is kept narrow to show how the process of development in Arunachal Pradesh has produced the main demographic outcomes: changes in fertility, mortality and migration.

The main topics covered in this chapter are:

(1) size and density of population,

(2) distribution of population,

(3) composition of population,

(4) migration, and

(5) population growth.

Size and Density of Population

Arunachal Pradesh has a small population: only 13.84 lakh (according to 2011 census) which is 0.107 per cent of the country’s population of 1.23 billion. In North-east India (excluding Sikkim which has a population of 5.40 lakh) only Mizoram’s population (8.91 lakh) is smaller than Arunachal Pradesh’s. With a hilly and mountainous topography, the State has a very sparse settlement, so sparse that its density of population is lowest in the country. According to 2011 census, the population density in Arunachal Pradesh is only 17 people per sq km against the country’s 325.

With a high growth of population, the density has increased in the State over time but the expanding population has not spread evenly. It is the river valleys and urban areas which have got the highest concentration of population. The remote areas of the State remain more or less as thinly-populated as before. It may be pointed out that the first population census was conducted in the State in 1961. Prior to 1961, the administrative infrastructure was too inadequate to conduct census in the State. In the absence of census and other evidence it is not possible to quantify the State’s population prior to 1961.

Distribution of Population

Arunachal Pradesh has a highly uneven distribution of population. The plains which constitute only five per cent of the area of the State have a relatively dense settlement. We would discuss two aspects of distribution of population: inter-district and rural-urban.

Inter-district Distribution

Some districts of Arunachal Pradesh have large areas. As many as 10 districts of this State are larger in area than Goa, the smallest State in the country and five districts are bigger in area than Sikkim, the smallest State in North-east India. In terms of population among the 16 districts, Changlang is the largest and Dibang Valley the smallest. Kurung Kumey and Upper Siang have also a low density. There are eight districts with a density higher than the State’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. The population in these towns was 17 thousand forming 3.70 per cent of the State’s population of 4.68 lakh. The average population in these urban areas was about four thousand, so small that the settlements counted as urban were more like overgrown villages than towns. However, the tempo of urbanisation increased over time. During the 1970s the urban population grew at 13.96 per cent per annum. 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.

Population Composition

Scheduled Tribes and General Category

The first category is scheduled tribes (ST) and the second is non-scheduled tribe (non-ST). We do not take into consideration another category, scheduled caste (SC) because this category constitute only 0.56 per cent of the State’s population. Moreover, they are not considered to be indigenous and hence, treated like the people of the 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 (67.58).

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. A look at the sex ratio of the general category gives us an impression of gender-bias in the migration.

In 1961, the migrants were largely males: sex ratio of the general category was only 296. Over the years the sex-bias in migration declined. The sex ratio of the general category increased to 723 in 2001. However, it is neither the overall sex ratio nor the sex ratio of the general category that represents the true gender composition; it is the sex ratio of the ST population that portrays the true picture. This is because of the ST people being more or less closed.

The ST sex ratio shows a clear declining trend from 1961 to 1991. However, it was more than 1000 in all censuses except in 1991 when it dropped to 998. Compared with the overall gender composition of the country, Arunachal Pradesh’s is much more favourable to the women. In 1961 the sex ratio of the ST population in the state was 1013 against the countrys 941. In 2001, ST sex ratio was 1003.

Literacy in Arunachal Pradesh

In the spread of education, Arunachal Pradesh occupies a unique position in the country. At the time of Independence in 1947, there were very little formal educational facilities. After 1947 there was a rapid expansion of the educational facilities. The first college in the State was established in 1964 and after 20 years a university came into being. Literacy spread rapidly in the State, given its very poor base.

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 %.

Migration

The implementation of the development programmes launched by the Government of India after Independence occasioned a growing stream of migration from the rest of the country. The forces of modernisation which swept the rest of the country did not touch Arunachal Pradesh. Most of the people were dependent on swidden cultivation (jhuming).

Nature of Inter-State Migration:

Immediately after Independence almost all government officials from the highest rank to the lowest came from outside to establish direct administration in an area which had seen only ‘indirect’ or ‘political’ administration without any public offices being located here. The local people accustomed to jhuming could not supply any labour power. The only way was to depend on migrants from the rest of the country. Given the nature of development work, most of the migrants were unskilled. But what is considered raw or unskilled labour in the rest of the country appeared highly skilled in Arunachal Pradesh. For example, an agricultural labourer is considered unskilled in the plains but in Arunachal Pradesh he became an ‘expert’ in wet-rice cultivation.

Population Growth

In Arunachal Pradesh population started growing after 1947. Prior to Independence, there was no modern hospital nor was there any modern industry in the State. A low-productive agriculture, the total absence of industrial activities outside the household, almost total illiteracy kept the pre-1947 Arunachal Pradesh in the same demographic regime as the rest of the country was prior to 1921. So the ‘great divide’ for Arunachal Pradesh can be taken to be 1947, after which its population took a path of high growth shaped by both natural increase and migration.

During 1961-2001, the population grew in the State at the average exponential rate of 2.98 per cent per annum compared with the national growth of 2.14 per cent. The ST population grew at the rate of 2.12 per cent while the non-ST grew at a much higher rate of 5.83 per cent. There was a high decadal variation in the growth rate.

In the 1970s the rate of growth fell markedly but in the 1980s a reversal took place. In the 1970s the fall in the overall growth was due to the sharp fall in the growth of the tribal population. In the 1960s the tribal population in the State grew at 2.13 per cent per annum but in the 1970s the rate declined to 1.78 per cent. Since the trajectory of the population growth shifted upwards after the launch of the development programmes and the consequent migration.