Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh kicks off CAU Regional Agri Fair 2016-17
inaugurates auditorium and PG Boys' hostel
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 10 2016: The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Govt of India Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated a three-day long CAU Regional Agri Fair 2016-17 today at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal.

The fair that is being held on the theme, 'Importance of organic farming and integrated farming system in second green revolution', has altogether 55 stalls installed to showcase various agricultural, fisheries and animal products from different parts of the State and other neighbouring North Eastern States.

Prior to the inauguration of the three-day Agri Fair, the visiting Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Radha Mohan Singh who was the chief guest, inaugurated a newly constructed college auditorium and post graduate boys' hostel inside CAU campus.

Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh kicks off CAU Regional Agri Fair 2016-17

The Chancellor of CAU Dr RB Singh graced as the functional president of the inaugural function while Vice-Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University Dr KM Bujarbaruah; Director ICAR (RC) for NEH Region Dr SV Ngachan; Director, National Research Centre on Pig Dr DK Sarma; Director, National Research Centre on Mithun Dr Abhijit Mitra; Dirctor ATARI, ICAR Research Dr Bidyut C Deka graced as guests of honour.

Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Dr M Premjit was the Chairman of the Organising Committee.

Addressing the function, Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh said agriculture is such type of occupation which is directly affected by climatic conditions, cultural situations and infrastructures available.

Such shortcomings can be dealt by integrating various scientifically proven methods which are beneficial.

Various techniques and methods are developed and produced by various colleges under CAU and which is commendable, he said.

North East being a place with regional typologies, difficult terrain, inaccessible habitation, marginality, fragility, extreme vulnerability to natural events, poor infrastructures and distinctive gender dimensions, cultivable land is limited.

Organizing such a fair on the stated theme indicates the contemplated idea and devotion of CAU towards bringing a change in regional agriculture from organic by default to real organic with proper integration of subsidiary enterprises, he said.

The Narendra Modi led NDA Government has been working to implement various welfare schemes for the farmers.

A sum of Rs 750 crore has been earmarked to cover more issues on agriculture extensions, he said.

"Farmers grow not only for their families but for the entire nation.

Welfare schemes for farmers is one of the most important initiatives of the Goverment at the Centre," Radha Mohan said adding that the Indians regard soil as their mother and if we continue to pollute soil, only humans will suffer.

To curb soil pollution, the movement to introduce soil health management gained momentum after the NDA Government came to power.

Now, many States have introduced Soil Health Card for farmers, but unfortunately in Manipur the State Govt has given little importance to such endeavour.

Against a target of 1,14,552 card only 3302 soil health cards has been distributed so far.

The figure tells the truth that there has been little initiative by the concerned department of Manipur, he added.

The Centre has introduced and implemented various schemes and project like sub-mission on agricultural mechanization, extension reforms, rain fed area development, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bimal Yojana, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, National E-Governance Plan in Agriculture, Strengthening or Promoting Agricultural Information System, Sub Mission Seeds and Planting Material, National Livestock Mission, and also in fishery sector for the welfare of farmers across the country.

Integrated Bee Keeping Development Centre (IBDC) provides an enormous opportunity for farmers.

With assistance from CAU various infrastructure requirement for the growth of scientific bee keeping will be made available including a unit for manufacturing bee keeping related equipments, creation of bee queen/quality nucleus stock unit, technique related demonstration centre, processing and marketing centre, development centre for different sort of products, identification of disorders in bees and their diagnosis related laboratory, collection of honey and other related products, centre for maintenance and quality, laboratory for examination of honey and other products and centre for management of sudden calamities of bees, will be made, he stated.

He also spoke on various issues relating to black money and surgical strikes at Pakistan asserting that the commitment of the Prime Minister to serve the country is well highlighted by his actions.

He said removing black money from the country will not only bring equality among different citizens but bring a fast paced development.

He further urged authorities of CAU to introduce various vocational training programmes and farming methods.

As part of the inaugural function, the Union Minister also conferred the Dr H K Jain CAU award 2013-14 for Excellence in Agricultural Research in the NE States of India to Dr Anoop Das, Principal Scientist ICAR Barapani, Shillong, for his extensive and commendable work.

Functional president Dr RB Singh spoke on the benefits of organizing such fair at regular interval as it provides an opportunity for farmers to interact with scientist and experts and share their experiences.

As part of the programme the chief guest visited the Exhibition Stalls, distributed planting materials to five selected farmers, distributed Chicks to five selected farmers, released Souvenir and other publications of CAU and release a University rice variety called CAU-R2 .