Nongpoh, November 19: The Valedictory Function of the CAU Regional Agri Fair 2025–26 was held today at the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, marking the successful conclusion of the three-day event. The programme was graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries, including Chief Guest Mr. Dinesh Dattatreya Kulkarni, Organizing Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, and Guests of Honour Dr. Celestine Lyndoh, MLA of Umsning, and Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy, Director of IIM Shillong.

Also present were Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal; Prof. Ranjit Sharma, Director of the Directorate of Extension Education, CAU Imphal and Organizing Secretary; Prof. Ram Singh, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai and Local Organizing Secretary; along with Directors of CAU Imphal, Deans of constituent colleges, eminent scientists, representatives from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and officials from various line departments.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Ranjit Sharma, followed by a presentation of the technical session reports by Prof. Y. Ranjana, Deputy Director of Instruction, CAU Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, 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. He recalled the encouraging words of the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya during the inaugural session, who referred to CAU’s colleges as the “Temples of Farmers.”

Guest of Honour Dr. Celestine Lyndoh, MLA of Umsning, 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. He conveyed his best wishes to CAU for its continued service to the people.

Guest of Honour Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy, Director of IIM Shillong, focused her address 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.

In his valedictory remarks, Chief Guest Mr. Dinesh Dattatreya Kulkarni applauded CAU Imphal for organising the Regional Agri Fair in Meghalaya for the first time and commended the efforts that led to its successful execution.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Ram Singh, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions to the fair’s success.