The 49th Foundation Day of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, got underway today.
In his welcome address, VK Mishra, Director of ICAR Umiam, said that this institute has come a long way in serving the agricultural and economic development of this region and enhancing the livelihood of the tribal community at large.
The chief guest was Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, New Delhi, who, in his address, said that the foundation day is a day of inspiration and also to remember, give respect and pay homage to the founder of the institute MS Swaminathan. He also mentioned that it is the time to remember the past directors, most importantly the first director, DN Borthakur.
Today, an auditorium was inaugurated in the name of Swaminathan as a tribute to the ICAR founder. Swaminathan was a nationally and internationally well-known scientist, who had championed agriculture over military might and the importance of the conservation of natural resources.
In his address, Naveen Kumar Bansal, Chief Engineer of the Central Public Works Department, Shillong, said that CPWD has been a frontline partner of ICAR.
BC Deka, Vice-Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, emphasised that research should not only be theoretical but have concrete benefits for farmers.
A Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, said that entrepreneurship development is very important, adding that accentuating the entrepreneurship qualities in today’s youth will help to promote agriculture to a greater extent.
Pathak inaugurated the administrative buildings of KVK Anjaw and KVK Longleng. He also felicitated five farmer awardees from different North East states for their progressive and tremendous work in the agriculture sector. The foundation stone for a girls’ hostel was also laid on this occasion by the DG. He also inaugurated an exhibition where different technologies were showcased by the KVKs and agricultural entrepreneurs.
