Central Agricultural University beacon of innovation for NE: Mizoram Guv
Aizawl, June 22
Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Monday hailed the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, as a beacon of agricultural innovation and excellence for the entire Northeastern region, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing agricultural research, education and sustainable development across the eight states.
The Governor formally inaugurated three important meetings of CAU scheduled from June 22 to 24, 2026.
He emphasised that the three councils, Research, Extension Education and Academic, comprehensively cover laboratory work, field delivery and classroom learning, embodying the essence of "Lab to Land" education.
Singh appreciated CAU's policy document titled Transformation of the Mizoram Economy from US Dollar 540 Million to US Dollar 6,394 Million @ 2047.
He noted that Mizoram's agro-based economy could achieve this transformation if stakeholders shift focus from mere production to farmer income.
He stressed the need for clear roles for districts and communities in agricultural development, ensuring inclusivity.
Highlighting agriculture and allied sectors as the backbone of the rural economy, Singh said they can play a transformative role in realising the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Commending Central Government initiatives for farmers' welfare, he called for stronger collaboration between scientists, faculty, researchers and farmers.
He urged them to focus on value addition, entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, market linkages and eco-friendly practices, alongside technology development.
Singh praised CAU scientists and assured continued support. He said, "The future of the North Eastern Region and a prosperous Viksit Bharat will be grown in your laboratories, taught in your classrooms and harvested in our fields."
CAU Vice-Chancellor Anupam Mishra described the University as one of India's premier agricultural institutions, highlighting opportunities presented by the Northeast's diversity.
He noted CAU operates 13 Constituent Colleges, 6 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 6 Multi Technology Testing Centres and 6 Vocational Training and Testing Centres across the region.
During the event, Singh handed over technologies developed by the College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya, Strawberry Jam, Litchi Jam and Mango King Chilli Sauce, to PRIME Rural, Shillong.
He also launched four Comilla Cotton Meditech Products jointly developed by the College of Community Science, Tura and ICAR-CICR, Nagpur.
Lavender and coriander seeds were distributed to farmers from Aizawl, Saitual, Serchhip and Champhai districts, and seven CAU publications were released.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The document "Transformation of Mizoram Economy from US Dollar 540 Million to US Dollar 6,394 Million @ 2047" sounds ambitious! That's huge growth. But I wonder if they have concrete plans for implementation. My family is from Meghalaya and we've seen too many grand plans fail due to lack of ground action. Hope this time it's different.
As an agricultural economist based in Delhi, I find the focus on farmer income rather than just production commendable. Too often we measure success by output alone. The value addition to fruits like litchi and strawberry into jams shows real innovation. Let's hope the market linkages work well this time.
Living in Mizoram, I've seen our farmers struggle with red soil and sloping terrains. CAU's KVKs have been doing good work, but more needs to be done for sustainable livelihoods. I'm cautiously optimistic about this 2047 vision. Viksit Bharat can't happen without strengthening our northeast agriculture first. 🌾
Impressive to see 13 constituent colleges and 6 KVKs across the NE region. I work with rural development NGOs and the "community science" colleges focusing on products like meditech and sauces sound innovative. But I worry about whether small farmers can actually access these technologies. Hope the extension education council addresses this gap.
My family is from Manipur and I've seen how CAU has transformed some villages there. But I'd like to see more transparency in these councils. The three meetings (Research, Extension, Academic) sound comprehensive, but how many farmers actually got to participate? "Lab to Land" needs farmer
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