Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) on Monday, 22 June 2026, hailed the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, as a beacon of agricultural innovation and excellence for the entire Northeastern region, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing research, education, and sustainable development across all eight northeastern states.

Key Developments at the Three-Day CAU Meet

The Governor formally inaugurated three important council meetings of CAU scheduled from 22 to 24 June 2026 in Aizawl. The three councils — Research, Extension Education, and Academic — collectively cover laboratory work, field delivery, and classroom learning, embodying what Singh described as the essence of 'Lab to Land' education.

During the event, Singh handed over technologies developed by the College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya — including Strawberry Jam, Litchi Jam, and Mango King Chilli Sauce — to PRIME Rural, Shillong. He also launched four Comilla Cotton Meditech Products jointly developed by the College of Community Science, Tura, and ICAR-CICR, Nagpur. Lavender and coriander seeds were distributed to farmers from Aizawl, Saitual, Serchhip, and Champhai districts, and seven CAU publications were released.

Mizoram's Economic Transformation Target

Singh appreciated CAU's policy document titled 'Transformation of the Mizoram Economy from US$ 540 Million to US$ 6,394 Million @ 2047'. He noted that Mizoram's agro-based economy could achieve this transformation if stakeholders shift focus from mere production to farmer income. He stressed the need for clear roles for districts and communities in agricultural development to ensure inclusivity.

What the Governor Said

Highlighting agriculture and allied sectors as the backbone of the rural economy, Singh said they can play a transformative role in realising the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He called for stronger collaboration between scientists, faculty, researchers, and farmers, and urged a focus on value addition, entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, market linkages, and eco-friendly practices alongside technology development.

In his address, Singh said: 'The future of the North Eastern Region and a prosperous Viksit Bharat will be grown in your laboratories, taught in your classrooms and harvested in our fields.'

CAU's Footprint Across the Northeast

CAU Vice-Chancellor Anupam Mishra described the university as one of India's premier agricultural institutions, highlighting the opportunities presented by the Northeast's rich biodiversity. He noted that CAU operates 13 Constituent Colleges, 6 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 6 Multi Technology Testing Centres, and 6 Vocational Training and Testing Centres across the region.

This comes amid a broader national push to integrate agricultural research with ground-level delivery in states that have historically received less institutional focus than mainland India. With CAU's multi-state infrastructure and the Governor's renewed emphasis on income-linked outcomes, the university's role in the Northeast's development trajectory appears set to deepen.