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Wednesday / January 22. 2025
HomeAgroPolicyActs & Schemes – CentreThe Northeast can excel in horticulture and agriculture compared to other regions: Singh Shivraj Chouhan

The Northeast can excel in horticulture and agriculture compared to other regions: Singh Shivraj Chouhan

At the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, the Golden Jubilee and Farmers Expo 2025 got underway, commemorating 50 years of commitment to agricultural innovation and development in the Northeastern Indian states In the presence of Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya M. Amapareen Lyngdoh, who visited the various stalls showcasing the region’s rich agricultural diversity, Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar officially opened the program.

In his speech, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauded Meghalaya’s and the Northeast’s potential to develop into a center for fruits, vegetables, and decorative plants.
Meghalaya’s agricultural wealth is a veritable gold mine. The diversity of bananas, ginger, turmeric, pineapples, chiles, and even orchids is astounding. When it comes to horticulture and agriculture, the Northeast can really excel, Chouhan said.He emphasized the importance of improving logistics, creating agricultural varieties with longer shelf lives, and fortifying the lab-to-land strategy. “ICAR needs to concentrate on extending the shelf life of crops and making sure they are delivered to consumers in optimal form. For farmers to directly benefit, science must move from the lab to the field more quickly. To improve rural livelihoods, we must take advantage of natural farming, cutting-edge technologies, and the special potential of crops like bamboo, honey, and mushrooms,” he said.

The Union Minister also promised the state’s continuing assistance and praised CM Conrad K. Sangma’s leadership. He reaffirmed how crucial it is for ICAR, agricultural universities, and government agencies to work together to develop a plan for the region’s sustainable agricultural development. Chouhan added a roadmap that needs to be worked out diligently and underlined how Meghalaya’s biodiversity is a wealth to the region. Improved collaboration between state departments, KVKs, agricultural institutions, and ICAR institutes is required. The region’s various agroclimatic zones necessitate the collaboration of multiple departments, especially when it comes to the creation of a logistic hub, product processing, value addition, and pricing. In his inaugural address, Governor Vijayashankar underlined that India is an agrarian nation where agriculture is essential to both the populace and the economy. He underlined that ICAR is leading the nation in agricultural research and development, noting that the institute has made substantial contributions to the creation of crop varieties, livestock breeds, and IFS that have benefited the rural community. In addition to being a center for medicinal plants, Ayurveda, and other agricultural products, the area is abundant in specialized crops like turmeric and ginger, he said.
CM Sangma spoke during the event and emphasized how ICAR has changed the Northeast’s agricultural landscape. Since its founding, ICAR has created more than 100 crop varieties, brought in livestock breeds with exceptional yields, and supported environmentally friendly methods like organic and integrated farming. These initiatives have protected biodiversity, improved food security, and equipped farmers with advanced technologies. “ICAR’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and rural development is highlighted by the international recognition of its integrated organic farming models,” he said. He acknowledged the commitment of ICAR’s scientists, researchers, and staff in changing agriculture in the area and praised their efforts. “You have not only empowered farmers but also opened the door for our young people to pursue business through creative solutions like integrated organic agricultural systems. He stated, “Your contributions have been crucial in improving rural livelihoods and revolutionizing agriculture in the Northeast.”

Additionally, the Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister for his assistance in promoting agriculture in the area. He praised programs that have improved farmers’ access to markets, technology, and inputs, like as PM-KISAN, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeast Region.
President Droupadi Murmu gave a taped speech to commemorate the event. “ICAR has developed hundreds of varieties of crops, livestock, and climate-resilient technologies suited to the agroclimatic conditions of the region that help to enhance food security and livelihood security of the region,” she said, congratulating the Institute on 50 years of unmatched service and dedication. According to her, horticultural crop and food grain production have grown by 40% and 30%, respectively, in the past ten years. She discussed the importance of agribusiness and related industries, stating that they have played a key role in creating jobs and drawing young people to the area’s agricultural industry. She noted that as a result, the number of young people who are agri-entrepreneurs has increased by 25% over the past five years. Additionally, she stated that the documenting and validation of indigenous resources, the protection of germplasm, and the integration of current technologies with local knowledge are all necessary.

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