Arunachal Ships First Mebo Fruit Batch to Sikkim

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh sent its first shipment of Mebo pineapples and lemons to Sikkim on Wednesday, July 22. This delivery marks the start of a new agricultural trade link between the two states. It follows a memorandum of understanding signed last month.

Talem Taboh, Advisor to the Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture and Allied Sectors, flagged off the truck in the East Siang district. Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nancy Yirang, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko, and various local officials attended the event. Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng led the charge to find new buyers for farmers in the 39th Mebo Assembly constituency.

The trade agreement grew from the International Agro-Tourism Festival held in South Sikkim from June 13 to 15. Tayeng signed the deal with Temi-Namphing MLA Bedu Singh Panth. The two constituencies are now sister entities for three years. They aim to work together on tourism, agriculture, cultural exchange, environmental conservation, skill development, and rural growth.

Tayeng hopes to help growers sell their fruit without fearing unsold stock. He believes the link to the Sikkim-based food processing firm Supreme Sikkim will improve local incomes. He told the crowd, "The initiative would open new market opportunities for growers of Mebo's pineapples and lemons."

Taboh praised the focus on commercial farming. He promised state support for future efforts to boost market access. The ceremony ended with a moment of silence to honor the late District Horticulture Officer Ayi Remi Ering for her work in the sector.