Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has instructed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Meghalaya Government to conduct quarterly review meetings to strengthen coordination among the State Government, ICAR, and agricultural institutions.
“Today, I give instructions to ICAR to work with the state government and agriculture departments. Every three months, one meeting is a must. Coordination is essential,” Chouhan stated during the golden jubilee celebration of the ICAR Research Complex in Umiam.
“KVKs, agricultural universities, agriculture colleges, ICAR, and government departments will sit together to plan and strategize. Even I will attend one such meeting,” he added, underscoring the importance of collaboration.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma echoed this sentiment, proposing that the State Government, ICAR, and research institutes meet quarterly or half-yearly to discuss developments that can benefit farmers.
“Such coordination, even without excessive investment, can unlock additional benefits and potential,” Sangma said.
The golden jubilee celebration began with the inauguration of the Farmer’s Expo 2025 by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, in the presence of Chief Minister Sangma and other dignitaries.
The event included a visit to stalls showcasing agricultural innovations and interactions with participants.
The formal inaugural ceremony was held at the M.S. Swaminathan Conference Hall and featured the lighting of the lamp, felicitation of dignitaries, and the release of three books by Governor Vijayashankar. The Governor also inaugurated a farmer’s training hostel in Imphal, Manipur, via virtual mode.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sangma lauded the contributions of the ICAR Research Complex in transforming agriculture in the region. He emphasized the need to improve logistics networks, establish food processing hubs, and implement cluster development programs to support farmers and their communities.
Union Minister Chouhan highlighted the immense potential of Meghalaya and the Northeast to become a hub for vegetables and fruits in the country. Governor Vijayashankar praised Meghalaya’s turmeric for its high curcumin content and called for collective efforts to ensure food security while positioning the state as a hub for tourism and Ayurveda.
President Droupadi Murmu also virtually addressed the gathering, commending ICAR’s contributions to agricultural advancements in the Northeast.
The golden jubilee celebration underscored ICAR’s commitment to advancing agriculture in the region and supporting the farming community through innovative solutions and coordinated efforts.