Itanagar, Nov 10 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul on Tuesday inaugurated a geothermal-powered drying unit at Dirang in West Kameng district, marking a significant step towards harnessing renewable energy for agricultural development and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The facility, funded by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences with additional gap funding from the Arunachal Pradesh government, was inaugurated in the presence of Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener, Dirang MLA and Advisor to the Minister Phurpa Tsering, and scientists and experts from India, Norway and Iceland.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Pul said the initiative would help translate scientific research and technological innovations into practical solutions for the benefit of farmers and rural communities.
She added that the facility would utilise natural geothermal heat to dry and preserve locally produced agricultural and livestock products, including kiwi, apples, persimmons and yak meat.
The technology would help minimise post-harvest losses, enhance the market value of locally produced commodities, increase farmers’ incomes and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, she said.
Pul, who also chairs the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), appreciated the technical cooperation extended by Norway and Iceland in setting up the facility.
During her address, the Minister urged the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to issue the formal sanction order for the already-approved Seismic Microsonation Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the state’s vulnerability to earthquakes, she said the project was particularly important as Arunachal Pradesh falls under Seismic Zone-V, the country’s highest seismic hazard classification.
She added that the proposed project would strengthen disaster preparedness, facilitate scientific assessment of earthquake risks and support safer infrastructure planning across the state.
Pul also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his continued encouragement and support for scientific innovation, research and sustainable development initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh.
Welcoming Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener on her maiden visit to the state, the Minister expressed hope that the geothermal drying initiative would pave the way for greater international cooperation in renewable energy, scientific research and technology transfer.
The event was also attended by Ministry of Earth Sciences Scientist-G and Advisor Jagvir Singh and Oil India Limited Director (Exploration and Development) Soloma Yomdo.
Pul congratulated CES&HS Director Tana Tage and his team, Oil India Limited and the international partners for their contributions to the successful implementation of the project.
Emphasising the importance of making scientific advancements accessible to ordinary people, the Minister said the true success of science lay not merely in achievements in laboratories but in translating research and innovations into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
–IANS
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