Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture and Allied Departments Minister Gabriel D Wangsu has called for farmer-centric technology to transform agriculture across the Northeast.
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the international conference EARITA 2026 at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Wangsu stressed that agricultural innovation must address farmers’ actual needs.
He said technology should be affordable, accessible and practical rather than merely sophisticated.
“Technology in agriculture must ultimately serve the farmer,” the minister said.
The conference brought together researchers, scientists, academicians, students and industry professionals to discuss emerging technologies in agriculture.
Northeast Needs Region-Specific Agricultural Solutions
Wangsu said agricultural technologies developed for large, mechanised farms elsewhere cannot simply be adopted across the Northeast.
The region faces distinct challenges, including small landholdings, difficult terrain, diverse agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices.
He stressed that innovation must reflect these realities.
The minister said farmers should be able to operate new technologies without expensive equipment, specialised skills or high-speed internet access.
He also called for combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern science to develop solutions suited to the region.
AI, Robotics and Drones Can Support Farmers
EARITA 2026 focused on emerging applications of artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, sensors, remote sensing and digital platforms in agriculture.
Wangsu highlighted the potential of these technologies to improve productivity, resource management and farming efficiency.
He identified smart irrigation, remote sensing, hydrological modelling and Internet of Things-based water management as important areas for development.
These technologies could help farmers use water more efficiently while responding to changing environmental conditions.
The minister also referred to research on glacier retreat, permafrost, soil erosion and changing rainfall patterns.
He said these developments have direct implications for water security, soil health, crop productivity and agricultural resilience.
Technology Must Reduce Farm Labour
The minister said mechanisation should not focus only on automation.
Instead, agricultural machinery must reduce physical drudgery, improve safety and make farming more efficient.
He called for equipment designed around the Northeast’s small farms, difficult terrain, horticultural crops and local agricultural practices.
Wangsu also cautioned against allowing the digital divide to restrict access to emerging technologies.
He welcomed research into edge-AI and low-bandwidth solutions designed for smallholder farmers.
Digital Tools Could Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
Wangsu highlighted the potential of machine-vision grading, AI-based quality assessment, shelf-life prediction and improved drying systems.
Such technologies could help farmers reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality.
They could also create opportunities for rural entrepreneurship and value addition.
“The farmer of the future should not only be a producer. They should also have the opportunity to become a processor, entrepreneur and value creator,” he said.
The minister emphasised that agricultural growth must remain environmentally sustainable.
He identified climate resilience, soil conservation, efficient water use, renewable energy and ecosystem protection as essential elements of agricultural innovation.
Research Must Move from Laboratories to Farms
Wangsu urged researchers to ensure that innovations do not remain confined to conference halls, research papers or prototypes.
He called for field testing, demonstrations and wider adoption under actual farming conditions.
He also encouraged stronger collaboration among NERIST, research institutions, industry partners, the Agriculture Department and farmers.
The minister said farmers must participate directly in testing technologies and providing feedback.
“Farmers should be able to see the technology, understand it, use it and tell us how it can be improved,” he said.
Northeast Should Develop Its Own Agricultural Technology
Wangsu encouraged students and young researchers to explore opportunities in AI, robotics, drones, sensors, biotechnology, food processing, renewable energy and digital platforms.
He said the Northeast should aim to become a developer of agricultural technologies rather than merely a consumer.
The minister expressed confidence that NERIST could play a larger role in developing solutions suited to the region’s agricultural conditions.
He also assured organisers of possible support for the conference’s future editions.
NERIST Director Professor Narendranath S, scientists, academicians, researchers and students attended the valedictory ceremony.
The discussions at EARITA 2026 highlighted the need to connect scientific research with farmers’ everyday challenges and strengthen agriculture through locally appropriate innovation.