Arunachal Pradesh Launches Commercial Floriculture with First Flower Shipment

Arunachal Pradesh has officially launched its commercial floriculture sector with the first shipment of cut flowers to Assam, generating significant revenue for local farmers. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced this milestone, highlighting the potential for new market opportunities and the state's commitment to empowering its agricultural community. The initiative, supported by the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, aims to promote high-quality flower cultivation. Additionally, Khandu revealed a GI application for local oranges, further enhancing the state's agricultural heritage. The 'Harvest of the Month' initiative was also introduced to celebrate progressive farmers, showcasing the state's focus on horticulture-led growth.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 17:53 IST

A New Era in Floriculture

Itanagar, Jan 13: Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Monday that the state has officially embarked on organized commercial floriculture, marked by the shipment of its inaugural consignment of cut flowers to Assam, which is expected to generate around Rs 1 lakh for local farmers.

The first shipment consisted of 2,000 Asiatic Lilium stems, harvested from the Lower Subansiri district, and was dispatched to Guwahati. Khandu shared this milestone on X, stating, “I am pleased to announce the launch of our state’s first-ever cut flower consignment to Guwahati.”

This initial delivery of 2,000 Asiatic Lilium stems has resulted in an estimated revenue of Rs 1 lakh for farmers, signifying the beginning of a promising chapter in commercial floriculture.

The initiative is backed by the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), which aims to promote the cultivation of high-quality cut and loose flowers that thrive in Arunachal Pradesh’s varied agro-climatic conditions, according to officials.

Khandu expressed optimism that this initiative would create new market opportunities for farmers nationwide.

“In the future, these flowers will reach significant flower markets across India, heralding a new era of prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive growth for our farmers,” he remarked.

In a separate announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its agricultural heritage by filing a Geographical Indication (GI) application for oranges from the Upper Subansiri district with the GI Registry in Chennai, facilitated by local farmer-producer organizations.

“This is a moment of pride for Arunachal Pradesh. The submission of the GI application represents a crucial step towards empowering farmers, bolstering the rural economy, and promoting Arunachal’s unique agricultural products on both national and international platforms,” Khandu stated.

He also introduced the “Harvest of the Month” initiative, aimed at honoring progressive farmers who contribute to the horticulture sector's growth. “We are excited to launch the Harvest of the Month, which celebrates the inspiring stories of progressive farmers who are enhancing Arunachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector through their dedication, innovation, and resilience,” he added.

Among those honored are Hage Jailyang, who has ventured into commercial floriculture with MIDH support, and Higi Tepik from Kamle district, who has been cultivating mandarin oranges since 2003.

Officials noted that these developments highlight Arunachal Pradesh’s increasing emphasis on horticulture-driven growth, farmer empowerment, and value addition, with floriculture and GI tagging serving as vital components for enhancing rural income.