ITANAGAR, May 27 - The Arunachal Pradesh Government has sought help from the Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Khamti Lahi rice, Tawang maize and Adi ginger (Kekir) as well as expertise on agro-technology practices, processing, packaging and marketing of high-value agricultural produce.
The State Government and the AAU agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard soon after Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and AAU Vice Chancellor Prof Ashok Bhattacharya held a �meaningful and fruitful� video conference on Wednesday.
Mein said that Khamti rice is known for its unique taste, aroma, size, shape, colour and cooking method. He sought technical support and cooperation from the AAU for its processing, packaging and marketing, and also for its GI registration for generating employment and income for the people of the State. He also sought the help of the AAU for GI registration of Tawang maize and Adi ginger (Kekir) along with Khamti Lahi rice, which has been pending for the last many years.
Sharing the problems faced by farmers in the State with regard to processing, packaging and marketing of local produce, Mein sought ideas and suggestions on market opportunities and accessibility from the premier institute.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that the North East region has vast fertile agro-climatic zones like subtropical, temperate and alpine zones, which are suitable for cultivation of varieties of agricultural and horticultural crops.
With so much potential, the region can be transformed into a food bowl of the country with proper inputs of good quality seeds and planting materials, scientific methods of cultivation, suitable agro-technology practices and post-harvest technology, which an institute like the AAU can formulate and initiate, Mein stated.
The AAU VC has agreed in principle to extend all cooperation and help to the Arunachal Pradesh Government in getting GI registration for Khamti Lahi rice, Tawang maize and Adi ginger (Kekir) and other technical support.
