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Arunachal Pradesh, with a total land area of 83,743 sq km, is the largest State in the North-East, area-wise. It shares the international boundaries with Bhutan, Tibet, China and Myanmar to the west, north-east, north and east respectively, and the national boundaries with the States of Assam and Nagaland. It is situated between 26 degree 30' to 29 degree 30' North Latitude and 91 degree 30' to 97 degree 30' East Longitude. Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, which is located at an altitude of 530 meters above minimum sea level. The State largely consists of submontane and mountainous ranges, sloping down to the plains of Assam. These divide the State into five river valleys, namely, the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the
Tirap.
The State is situated in the Eastern Himalayan province, the richest bio-geographical province of the Himalayan zone. It is known for its rich forest resources and mineral deposits. It is a land of deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. There exists excellent opportunities in the tourism sector owing to the State's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Due to rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, Arunachal Pradesh has a vast market potential for the cultivation of orchids and a variety of medicinal plants. Besides, the industries of the State are based on locally available raw materials and forest produces. The State is famous worldwide for its handloom and handicraft industry, such as cane and bamboo, carpet making, weaving, etc.
The other advantageous features of the State are:-
· Supportive and reliable administrative set up;
· Investor friendly environment;
· Low land man ratio;
· Rich varieties of flora, fauna and various horticultural produce;
· Presence of several medicinal herbs;
· Skilled and efficient labour force;
· Highest per capita income among North-Eastern States;
· Sound infrastructural network; etc.
Accordingly, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been making several efforts for attracting investment into the various sectors of the State. The investors can set up various industrial units by optimally utilising the numerous resources as well as the incentives and schemes available in the State.
Investment Opportunities
Arunachal Pradesh, inspite of its hilly terrain, provide enough business opportunities for the investors the world over. It is well endowed with abundant forest cover, minerals and hydel power resources, which can be utilised for setting up industrial units in the State. Major mineral deposits in the State are limestone, dolomite, quartzite, graphite, coal, marble, oil, natural gas, kyanite, mica, iron, copper, etc. Arunachal Pradesh's economy is primarily agrarian, wherein many agricultural and horticultural crops are grown. Its traditional handlooms and handicrafts are in demand worldwide. A wide variety of crafts such as weaving, painting, pottery, basketry, woodcarving, etc. are found among the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Most of the industries in the State are based on forest products such as timber, veneer and plywood. Besides, State's beautiful landscape and rich cultural heritage makes it an attractive tourist destination.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of Arunachal Pradesh. It is mainly depended on 'shifting' or 'jhum' cultivation. The principal crops are rice, maize, millet, wheat, pulses, etc. and encouragement is being given to the cultivation of cash crops like potatoes, sugarcane, etc. Nearly 75% of the State's total workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied activities.
Horticulture is the backbone of the rural economy in Arunachal Pradesh. It has a vast potential, owing to good agro-climatic conditions and topography, for the development of varied varieties of:- tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fruits like apples, oranges and pineapples, etc; vegetables (including off season vegetables); spices; aromatic and medicinal plants; and mushrooms. Most of the land of the State is covered with dense and rich forest.
The agro and horticulture based industries are being developed on the following product lines, namely:-
· Fruit based alcoholic beverages
· Ginger processing/dehydration
· Apple cultivation and processing
· Processing of citrus fruits
· Tapioca production unit for production of sago and starch
· Cold storages
· Multipurpose fruit and vegetables processing; etc.
Cane and Bamboo
Cane and bamboo industry of Arunachal Pradesh is of very high standard. It holds utmost importance in meeting most of the domestic requirements of the people of the State.
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