A company from Japan, the land of the rising sun as the world knows, and one from Arunachal Pradesh, India’s land of the rising sun, have decided to join hands to promote sustainable and natural ways of farming.

Japanese company Bioagri signed a memorandum of understanding with Siang Tea and Industries Private Limited, which has Donyi Polo, Mouling, Dite and Deki gardens in Arunachal, at Donyi Polo tea estate on Saturday to import tea. “The Japanese company will buy tea from us,” a senior official of Siang Tea and Industries told The Telegraph.

Bioagri has a vision to promote natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices across the world. At present, it is operating in Japan and Myanmar, where it helps grow, process, distribute and sell naturally grown agriculture products such as coffee, tea and vegetables, including carrots, onions and potatoes.

“Now Bioagri wants to expand its vision to India. It has chosen to start operations in the eastern part of India as it sees great potential in promoting natural farming, given the deep sense of sustainable traditional agriculture practices existing among the communities,” an official of Siang Tea and Industries said.

The agreement, signed by Bioagri chief executive officer Hiroki Kashiwagi and Siang Tea and Industries managing director Omak Apang, will promote export of naturally grown produce from Arunachal to Japan.

“The idea is to promote exchange of technology/ techniques between Bioagri and Siang Tea and Industries to promote natural farming. It will also promote eco-tourism in Arunachal Pradesh and student exchange programmes for skill and culture training. Both the parties hope that this would be the start of a great partnership between the two countries, resulting in knowledge and culture exchange and great opportunities for creating a healthy and sustainable future,” the official said.

Japan has been showing interest in the Northeast. It has financed several projects and many are on the cards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Japan in October 2018 for the India-Japan annual summit and discussed several issues, including the Northeast, with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.