Arunachal Pradesh's APAMB Honored with Prestigious SKOCH Silver Award 2026
The Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) has achieved a significant milestone by being conferred the SKOCH Silver Award 2026 for its transformative Mission Arun Himveer. This prestigious recognition was presented during the 106th SKOCH Summit – State of Governance, held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The award highlights the board's exceptional efforts in revolutionizing agricultural practices and supporting farmers in the strategically important border state.
Mission Arun Himveer: A Game-Changer for Arunachal's Farmers
Launched in November 2024 by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Mission Arun Himveer is designed to empower local farmers through a streamlined and efficient system. The initiative guarantees payment to farmers within 24 hours, effectively eliminating middlemen who traditionally exploited the agricultural supply chain. This is backed by a government-created revolving fund, ensuring financial stability and prompt transactions.
In his acceptance speech, APAMB Chief Executive Officer Okit Palling emphasized how Mission Arun Himveer is transforming the lives of farmers, particularly those in border areas, including the Vibrant Villages. He detailed the program's core components:
- A structured procurement system that organizes and standardizes the buying process.
- A quick and hassle-free payment system that deposits funds directly into farmers' accounts.
- The complete removal of intermediaries, allowing farmers to receive fair prices for their produce.
Empowering Women and Strengthening Border Communities
A remarkable aspect of this initiative is the overwhelming participation of women. Palling noted that women self-help groups from districts such as Tawang, Anjaw, Shi-Yomi, Upper Siang, and Dibang Valley account for over 90% of all suppliers. This not only boosts gender inclusivity but also enhances economic independence in these remote regions.
As of January 2026, the program has delivered over 200 metric tonnes of fresh vegetables to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This supply chain strengthens livelihoods in border villages and fosters goodwill between farmers and the jawans stationed there, contributing to community resilience and national security.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Implications
Palling praised the concerted efforts of officials from various departments, including agriculture, horticulture, cooperation, and the Arunachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission. Their daily coordination ensures a steady supply of fresh produce to the jawans, demonstrating a successful public-private partnership model.
The SKOCH Silver Award underscores the program's effectiveness in addressing key challenges in agricultural marketing. By providing a reliable market and timely payments, Mission Arun Himveer sets a benchmark for other states to follow, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across India to support farmers and enhance rural economies.
