Itanagar : Agreement to Strengthen the Vibrant Village Scheme, Encourage Reverse Migration and Support Local Farmers
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) at the Civil Secretariat. This partnership aims to support the Vibrant Village Scheme, bolster the local economy and enhance border security in Arunachal Pradesh.
The signing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Agriculture Minister Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, Chief Secretary Shri Manish Gupta, and other senior state officials.
Under the Vibrant Village Scheme, the MOU focuses on the supply of local products—such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, and millet—from participating villages to ITBP units stationed across Arunachal Pradesh. The agreement was formalized by Dr. Akun Sabharwal, Inspector General of ITBP, and Shri Okit Palling, CEO of the Arunachal Pradesh Agricultural Marketing Board (APAMB).
Hon’ble Chief Minister Pema Khandu, speaking on the occasion, reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth in border regions and improving local livelihoods. Agriculture Minister Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu emphasized the vital role of cooperative sectors in facilitating the supply chain for this initiative.
As part of the agreement, ITBP will procure locally produced goods from villages participating in the Vibrant Village Program (VVP), with support from local cooperatives. This initiative is designed to strengthen the local economy, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance security along Arunachal Pradesh’s international borders.
The scheme is expected to mitigate population outflows from border villages by fostering reverse migration through better economic opportunities. Increased interaction between local communities and ITBP personnel will build social cohesion, foster trust, and instill a sense of security and belonging among residents of these remote areas.
Additionally, this MOU is projected to create numerous employment opportunities for local populations, promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. It ensures the supply of fresh, high-quality food to ITBP soldiers while simultaneously uplifting local businesses and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
This partnership between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and ITBP represents a significant step toward sustainable development in border areas. By focusing on security, economic growth, and social stability, this MOU is set to transform the region’s future, ensuring a better quality of life for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and reinforcing the nation’s borders.