Arunachal's Bio-Happy District Leads Climate Fight

Arunachal Pradesh minister Gabriel D Wangsu stated on Thursday that traditional ecological knowledge is the state's primary defense against climate change. He inaugurated the Arunachal Pradesh Jaiv Vividhata and Mvm Liid Soonam/Beej Utsav 2026, praising Keyi Panyor district as a leading example of 'biohappiness-driven' development.

Wangsu noted the increasing unpredictability of rainfall, shorter winters, and more intense floods due to changing climatic conditions. He stressed that solutions must be tailored to the region's unique geography, advocating for indigenous crop varieties as 'living insurance' against climate uncertainty.

The two-day festival, co-organized by various local bodies and the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, aims to establish Keyi Panyor as a model for sustainable development. The district has earned recognition as India's first 'Bio-Happy District', acknowledging its biodiversity, cultural identity, ecological sustainability, and community well-being.

Minister Wangsu announced initiatives to bolster community seed banks, strengthen local seed certification, expand storage, and support women-led 'Seed Guardian' networks. He specifically lauded Hage Nanya for seeking intellectual property protection for 12 indigenous paddy varieties. Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung and MSSRF chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan also spoke, underscoring the integration of grassroots conservation with livelihoods and social equity.