Air cargo liftoff opens markets for Arunachal’s farmers
Farmers in Arunachal can now send oranges, kiwi and spices to bigger cities faster, ensuring fresher produce and better prices.
In a major boost to farmers of Arunachal Pradesh, the state flagged off its first-ever outbound air cargo service from Donyi Polo Airport on Thursday. The state's minister for urban affairs, land management and civil aviation, Balo Raja launched the service, calling it a big step towards linking the state’s rich agricultural and horticultural produce with larger markets across India.
For years, farmers in the North-East, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, faced huge challenges in selling their crops outside the state. Poor road conditions, long travel times, and limited connectivity meant that fresh produce often could not reach markets on time. This not only reduced farmers earnings but also limited their access to fair prices.
With the launch of outbound air cargo, local produce such as fruit, vegetables, spices, and flowers can now be transported quickly to bigger cities. This will open up new opportunities for farmers, reduce wastage, and help them earn better incomes.
Arunachal Pradesh is known for its high-value crops such as oranges, kiwi, large cardamom, ginger and orchids. Many of these products have strong demand across India, but farmers struggled to reach markets earlier. The new service is expected to make their produce more competitive and visible nationwide.
“Today, I had the privilege to flag off the first outbound air cargo from our state at Donyi Polo Airport. This initiative will open new horizons for our hardworking farmers,” Minister Balo Raja said.
Arunachal Pradesh is also strengthening its passenger air connectivity. From 17 September 2025, IndiGo will begin additional daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Itanagar. According to Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, this step will not only boost tourism and trade but also bring Arunachal closer to the rest of the country.
The new air cargo service marks an important milestone for the North-East. For the farmers of Arunachal, it is more than just a flight, it is a direct gateway to bigger markets, better earnings, and a brighter future.
