Nongpoh, Nov 19: The three-day regional agricultural fair on the theme ‘Reaching the Last Mile with Agri-Revolution’ concluded at the College of Agriculture at Kyrdemkulai, Ri-Bhoi, today.
The event was envisioned as a convergence point for farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, students and development agencies, with the primary objective of bridging the gap between agricultural innovations and grassroots implementation. It also sought to promote knowledge exchange, technological dissemination and farmer empowerment, thereby contributing to a sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation in the North Eastern hill region.
The valedictory function was attended by Dinesh Dattatreya Kulkarni, Organizing Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, who applauded CAU Imphal for organising the fair in Meghalaya for the first time and commended the efforts that led to its successful execution.
IIM Shillong Director Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy focused on the high potential of horticultural crops in the Northeast. She expressed concern that despite fertile soil and favourable climate, farmers often remain at the lower end of the value chain due to weak market linkages. She stressed the need for market-driven models, improved logistics, institutional linkages, food processing clusters, and cold storage facilities to strengthen the region’s agricultural value chain.
Umsning MLA Dr. Celestine Lyndoh, MLA noted that the Northeast has one of the highest proportions of population engaged in agriculture. He urged CAU Imphal to continue supporting farmers across Meghalaya and the wider region and appealed to the Central Government to extend assistance in providing farm machinery suitable for the hilly terrain of the Northeast.
CAU Imphal Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra underscored the growing significance of the Northeast in shaping India’s agricultural future, attributing its potential to the region’s biodiversity, ethnic diversity, and agri-ecological diversity. He described the Agri Fair as a vital platform bringing together farmers, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to share knowledge and inspire innovation.
He emphasized the need to build a sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural ecosystem that ensures farmer income, as well as food and nutritional security.
Dr. Mishra also highlighted the wide range of activities hosted during the fair, including the Kisan Gosthi and motivational sessions delivered by six nationally acclaimed professionals.
