The Central Agricultural University invites you to the three day long Agriculture Fair 2011 which is open today (April 18) until April 20. The fair was officially opened today by Shri Gurbachan Jagat, H.E., the Governor of Manipur who graced the function as Chief Guest; Shri Rishang Keishing, Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha); Shri Thokchom Meinya, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha); Shri P. Parijat Singh, Hon’ble Minister (Agri/Lab & Emp/CAD), and Dr. S.N. Puri as President. The opening function was also graced by Smt. Kiran Jagat, First Lady of Manipur.
Welcoming the dignitaries, VIPs, media and farmers, Dr. S. N. Puri has said that the CAU Agri Fair is being organized for the first time in Manipur by the University. Last year, the Central Agricultural University had organized North East Agri Fair at Imphal for the first time. Looking to the excellent response from farming community and their demands to organized such fairs, this year, University is organizing the CAU Agri Fair on its own. The fair is a show-case of the achievements of the Central Agricultural University, ICAR Institutes and government Departments and also an occasion for the Agricultural Scientist to share their experiences and to get scientific input to develop and improve the agricultural technologies and an occasion to interact closely with the farmers of the state.
Dr. Puri also highlighted the achievements of the University. In his word, “The Central Agricultural University is on its path to help the farmers in the region to live a comfortable life and with a view to achieve this in Agriculture, allied disciplines; the University has as many as 134 Intramural Research Projects and need based location specific problems. 75 projects have been completed and 59 projects are ongoing as on today. In addition to internally funded research projects, there are 74 externally funded research projects. Out of which 41 projects are funded by ICAR while 33 projects funded by different funding agencies namely DBT, DST, DAC ICMR, etc.”
Shri Rishang Keishing requests all ministers of North East states to use the funds sanctioned by Centre to utilize in agriculture development. The University should test the land, the crops and cultivable crops must be available to farmers to make state Manipur developed in farm sector. Agriculture should provide direct employment to the people of Manipur.
However, Shri Thokchom Meinya points out that the state government should look into the unauthorized encroachers of University land. Production of high yielding seeds, poultry and experimenting various crops requires large area of farm land which is not provided by the State government. Shri Meinya also stressed on developing technology since without technology, nothing is possible.
Shri P. Parijat recollects the various achievements of the University and thanked the scientists and faculties for providing many high yielding varieties of grains. He requested the CAU scientists to focus on producing crops which are favourable in less rainfall as Manipur is not advanced in farm irrigation.
His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur Shri Gurbachan Jagat encourages the work of Central Agricultural University in the fields of crop improvement, crop production, natural resource management, crop protection, livestock and fish husbandry, post-harvest technology and extension education. He applauds the CAU Agri Fair 2011 as timely and appropriate in the quest for enhanced growth in the hill region not only for enhanced productivity, but also for improvement in sustainability, stability, equity, that will elevate the quality and value addition for making agriculture more remunerative and improve the quality of life of the farmers.
Today, a Souvenir was released by H.E. Shri Gurbachan Jagat; Farm magazine by Shri P.Parijat; CAU Research Newsletter by Shri Rishang Keishing and Compendium on KVKs and Extension Education by Shri Thokchom Meinya. Paddy seeds were distributed to selected five farmers and another five farmers were selected and provide one day old chicks on the occasion of the fair.
The three day long fair is having more than 50 stalls displaying various agro based products and latest technologies on farm. Major events will be farmers- scientists’ interaction, flower show, dog show and cultural events.
Read more at The Manipur Journal
