The Central Agricultural University (CAU) Regional Agri Fair 2023-24 which was held from December 12 to 14 culminated at the State Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, informed the DIPR
Gracing the function as the Chief Guest Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi, Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, in his Valedictory address congratulated all the scientist, scholars and students for the successful three days Fair. He pointed out that over the past three days it witnessed a convergence of ideas, a celebration of innovation, and a commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape of North East. “This agricultural fest, with a footfall of 10,000 farmers has served as a vibrant platform for scientists, innovative and progressive farmers, various development departments, educational and research institutes, input dealers, and agripreneurs together have engaged in meaningful discussions, shared experiences, and forged collaborations that have the potential to shape the future of agriculture in our region,” said Prof. Joshi.
He extended his sincere appreciation to the various stakeholders contributed to the success of this agricultural fair. “The scientists and researchers who have shared their knowledge, the innovative and progressive farmers who have showcased their practices, the development departments and institutes that have supported this initiative, the input dealers who have provided valuable resources, and the agripreneurs who have brought forth visionary ideas – your collective efforts have made this conclave a resounding success,” said the Chancellor.
In conclusion, he pointed out that this Regional Agricultural Fair has been more than just an event but it has been a celebration of the Agriculture Revolution that is underway in North East India. The discussions held, collaborations formed, and innovations showcased during these three days have laid the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in our region, affirmed Prof. Joshi.
Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal in his short address highlighted that CAU has 13 campuses in the NE with faculty from 23 states. CAU is a symbol of the rich diversity of the country, ranked 13 among the Agri University in India by ICAR and is the first of its kind in Nagaland. He pointed out that the fair started with an objective to bring farmers, experts and agripreneurs under one platform and push bio-economy in the region. “The response was good and even exceeded our expectations. The sessions included greater interest in application of modern technology, discussed ways and means of using waste into useful stuff as well as marketing aspects. The highlights of the fair were the interaction between farmers and experts and agri undergraduate students. Also, another objective was attracting agri graduates to agri-preneurship,” stated Dr Anupam Mishra.
During the Report Presentation of Regional Agri Fair by Director & organising Secretary, Directorate of Extension Education, CAU, Imphal, Prof. PH. Ranjit Sharma informed that the subjects discussed during the technical sessions were recommendations: Eco tourism in tea gardens, Use of insects as animal feed; Value addition in the mushroom farming; New tech like AI, robotics, tools for future education; Concept of telemedicine in veterinary sector; Need to facilitate corporate; Need for teachers training.
The Valedictory function included Report presentation of students conclave by Director, Directorate of Instruction, CAU, Imphal, Dr. S Basanta Singh; Vote of thanks delivered by Dean & Local Organizing Secretary, Dr. I. Shakuntala. Also, Best stall awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd were awarded to ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam; College of Horti and forestry, CAU Pasighat; College of Community Science,Tura respectively.
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During the fair, an Input Distribution program was also held on the same day at thr Expositional Hall, State Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima with Advisor, Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan as the Special Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Special Guest stressed on how agriculture is now facing the brand of climate change. “All the researchers, farmers, scientists, academics, govt. agencies have to come together to address and face these challenges, as it is our task where we have to put our heads together, evolve strategies in order to compact the challenges of climate change and climate variability,” stated Yanthan.
He also pointed out that the agriculture system in the North East which is mostly shifting cultivation is not feasible anymore and therefore, the Advisor expressed the need to find an alternative farming system, different applicable cropping system and find varieties which are suitable to local conditions. “All these efforts have to be put in together with collaboration from established collaboration between the research organisation, academic Institute, universities and Colleges”, he added.
The Advisor further stressed that the concerned departments like ATMA, Agri & Allied Sector department have to collaborate to share knowledge, information, experiences and see what the best formula is and how do we adapt and mitigate the process of climate change. In conclusion, he thanked the organiser for the spectacular and successful 3 days Agri Fair show held in Nagaland and informed them to be prepared for the North East Agri Expo next year.
Input Distribution by dignitaries informed that all the farmers of 7 NE States are divided into 27 groups, out of which 20 groups of farmers will be benefited with Agricultural & Horticultural Technological inputs and 7 groups of farmers will be benefited with Animal & Husbandry inputs. This year 27 groups of farmers covering all NE States include 800-900 farmers and 27 categories of inputs will be distributed to all the farmers.
Other highlights of Input Distribution Program included welcome speech by Director of Research, CAU, Imphal, Dr. LM Garnayak; vote of thanks delivered by DEE, CAU, Imphal and organizing Secretary, Prof. PH. Ranjit Sharma.
