Nongpoh, November 17: The inaugural ceremony of the CAU Regional Agri Fair 2025–26 was held on 17th November 2025 at the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya. The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including His Excellency Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, who attended as the Chief Guest; Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Fisheries and Tourism, Government of Meghalaya; Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; and Shri H.C. Chaudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya, who attended as Guests of Honour.
The programme was presided over by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal. Prof. Ranjit Sharma, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, served as the Director & Organizing Secretary, while Prof. Ram Singh, Dean, College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, was the Local Organizing Secretary. The event was attended by Directors of ICAR-ATARI Zones VI & VII, officials from various line departments, Directors of CAU Imphal, Deans of constituent colleges, scientists, and representatives from KVKs.
Organized by the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, the fair was held under the theme: “Reaching the Last Mile with Agri Revolution – Cultivating Hope One Mile at a Time.”
In his address, His Excellency the Governor, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, noted that India remains an agrarian nation, with nearly 70% of its population dependent on agriculture for its livelihood. He stressed that national development is inseparable from the upliftment of farmers, and that agriculture and forests together form the core of sustainable progress. He described the Regional Agri Fair as a celebration of India’s agricultural spirit and acknowledged the crucial role of CAU (Imphal) in driving technological innovation in the sector. He also highlighted Meghalaya as a land of Ayurveda, natural positivity, and scenic beauty, home to warm and nature-loving people, and a rising hub of tourism.
Shri Timothy D. Shira, Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Fisheries and Tourism, emphasized several key schemes and policies implemented in Meghalaya that have significantly benefitted farmers statewide.
Shri Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, expressed strong support for the drone technology initiatives introduced under CAU (Imphal). He commended the achievements of CAU and its constituent colleges, raised concerns regarding market access for organic produce from the North East, and urged the university to further strengthen efforts aimed at uplifting the region’s agricultural sector.
Delivering the presidential address, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU Imphal, elaborated on the theme of the fair and outlined a forward-looking vision for transforming agriculture in Northeast India by 2047. He linked this vision to national missions including Doubling Farmers’ Income, Digital Agriculture Mission, Atma Nirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat 2047, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He reiterated the university’s commitment to nurturing futuristic agricultural professionals capable of advancing sustainable and technologically empowered farming.
Dr. Mishra further shared that the fair featured 74 stalls from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), entrepreneurs, and agri-startups from across the Northeast, along with 8 live demonstration platforms and 10 food stalls showcasing local cuisines. The event attracted more than 1,600 farmers and stakeholders.
The programme also witnessed the inauguration of the boys’ hostel and the exhibition stalls, along with the release of the RAF Souvenir, CAU Newsletter, CAU Farm Magazine, and a new book. Best Extension Professional Awards were also presented on the occasion. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, CAU Imphal.