Thanks to the fertile alluvial soils of the Siang river valley, Pasighat is often referred to as the "rice bowl" of Arunachal Pradesh. Wet terrace farming is common, with paddy (rice) and maize being the staple food crops.
Horticulture is a major economic driver. The region produces abundant quantities of oranges, pineapples, kiwi, bananas, and ginger. Tea cultivation has also found success, with estates producing high-quality organic teas. Furthermore, traditional livestock rearing (especially the Mithun, a semi-domesticated bovine central to Adi culture) and riverine fisheries in the Siang and its tributaries play a vital role in local food security and rural income.
