Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu met Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi to discuss several issues related to the state's development. During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought additional assistance from the Central Government for relief measures for farmers affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall, strengthening the rural road network, and enhancing infrastructure in rural areas.
Khandu said providing timely assistance and rehabilitation to farmers affected by natural disasters remains a priority for the state government. He also requested special support from the Centre to strengthen rural connectivity.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that recent heavy rainfall and floods had affected several agricultural areas in the state, damaging crops and impacting farmers' livelihoods. He requested the Central Government to strengthen relief packages, rehabilitation measures, and agricultural assistance programmes for the affected farmers so they could return to normalcy at the earliest.
Khandu said the geographical conditions of northeastern states make them more vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters, adding that timely assistance from the Centre is important for farmers and the rural economy.
Rural road connectivity was also a key issue discussed during the meeting. The Chief Minister said a large part of Arunachal Pradesh comprises mountainous and remote areas where road connectivity remains one of the state's primary development requirements. He sought additional financial and technical assistance from the Central Government to improve the rural road network.
According to Khandu, ber road connectivity would improve access to education, healthcare, agricultural markets, and emergency services. He said rural roads also facilitate economic activity and make relief and rescue operations more effective during disasters.
The Chief Minister and the Union Minister also discussed the effective implementation of rural development schemes. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination between the Centre and the state government to accelerate development projects. Both leaders agreed on the need to expand rural infrastructure, strengthen the agricultural sector, and ensure timely assistance for communities affected by natural disasters.
Following the meeting, Khandu thanked Chouhan and said the Union Minister had positively considered the state's requirements and assured continued support for rural development and farmers' welfare. The Chief Minister said assistance from the Central Government would play an important role in extending development to remote areas of the state and strengthening the economic condition of farmers.
