ITBP’s First-Ever Procurement of Local Organic Produce Marks Historic Day in Lohit

ITBP’s First-Ever Procurement of Local Organic Produce Marks Historic Day in Lohit. In a major step toward sustainable rural development and border food security, the 9th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police conducted its first procurement of local organic produce under the ambitious Mission Arun Himveer in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district. The initiative marks a significant milestone in building an institutional market for local farmers while ensuring nutritious food for border forces. The procurement included 200kg of bananas, 100 kg od pumpkins and 100 kg of pineapples from the Lohit Organic Farmers Producer Company Limited. 

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Dr. Mohesh Chai, who described the initiative as “historic.” He praised the mission for addressing multiple challenges simultaneously promoting organic farming, improving soldiers’ nutrition, encouraging reverse migration, and empowering the border economy. Dr. Chai also cautioned against the use of formalin-laced frozen foods and urged ITBP units to prioritize fresh local alternatives. He emphasized that institutional procurement like this could help steer farmers away from illegal practices such as opium cultivation.

Deputy Commissioner K.N. Damo lauded the direct farm-to-force model for reducing supply chain complexity while improving food quality and freshness. He acknowledged farmer concerns regarding low procurement prices and assured them that these issues would be raised with higher authorities to ensure fair treatment. Supporting the initiative, LOFPCL Managing Director Songelung Mam called the event a turning point in the journey toward market access for organic farmers. He pledged to scale up procurement efforts to meet the growing demand from ITBP units.

Commandant Ashok Singh Bisht of the 9th Battalion expressed full support for the mission, stating that it fulfills two key goals: providing nutritious meals for jawans and establishing a dependable market for local farmers. He also revealed plans to include fish, paneer, and milk in future procurement phases from nearby FPOs, further expanding the mission’s reach and impact.

However, not all voices were celebratory. Ajan Pul, a representative of a local Fishery and Veterinary FPO, raised concerns about unfair procurement pricing and appealed for a review of current government tender norms to ensure that farmers receive just compensation. Despite these concerns, the event was widely supported and attended by ZPC Dasula Krisikro, ZPM Balong Tindiya, various heads of departments, PRI members, and other stakeholders. Their collective participation signaled strong community backing for Mission Arun Himveer, which stands as a promising model of cooperation between security forces, government institutions, and grassroots farming communities.