Farmers Expo: Shivarj Chouhan praises Northeast’s potential in horticulture

Shillong: The Golden Jubilee and Farmers Expo 2025 got underway with fervor at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region in Umiam, Meghalaya. The event is being organized on the occasion of 50 years of ICAR’s dedicated work in the advancement of agriculture and horticulture sectors in the Northeast states of the country. ICAR has left no stone unturned in the acceleration of agriculture in this region.

Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, unveiled the event in the presence of Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and State Agriculture Minister M. Ampareen Lyngdoh. Several stalls are established, displaying the Northeast’s rich agricultural diversity. Dignitaries visited the stalls and took keen interest as well.

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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in his keynote address, underscored the potential of the Northeast as a hub for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. He appreciated Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity and said, “Meghalaya is a treasure trove of agricultural wealth, with unique crops like chillies, pineapples, ginger, and turmeric. The region is capable of outshining others in horticulture as well as agriculture, he said.

Chouhan urged ICAR to focus on enhancing crop shelf life, improving logistics, and accelerating the transfer of scientific advancements to farmers. He emphasized the importance of natural farming, value addition, and promoting crops like bamboo, honey, and mushrooms to uplift rural livelihoods.Governor Vijayashankar praised ICAR’s efforts in the development of new crop varieties and promotion of sustainable farming practices, proving a boon for the farmers.

CM Sangma appreciated ICAR’s determination in the progress of Northeast agriculture. He went on to say that ICAR has introduced varieties of crops, which helped a lot in the boost of farmers’ income. “ICAR’s integrated organic farming systems have given a shot in the arm to the incomes of rural people as well as inspired entrepreneurship among the youth,” he said.

The expo is being celebrated to reveal Meghalaya’s agricultural achievements, aiming at cooperation between research institutes, universities, and government bodies to expose the Northeast’s full potential in the horticulture sector.