EMN
Dimapur, February 18
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan has expressed hope that Nagaland would soon have her own agriculture college under the coveted Central Agricultural University, among six other colleges that have been planned for the north-east region states. The minister offered the information after dedicating the foundation stone for the new college of Agriculture, in Kyrdemkulai of Meghalaya on February 16.
“This region has a lot of potential for agriculture and human resource development. Keeping this in mind 6 new colleges under the jurisdiction of the Central Agricultural University have been planned,” the Union minister said. “I am happy to share with you that out of these: four new colleges have already started their fist academic session. I hope that, the other two colleges in Nagaland and Mizoram will be started soon.”
According to Mohan Singh, cultivation of oilseeds and pulses “is important for food” and nutritional security of the north-eastern states. He emphasised on promoting the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses. He said that the scientists of CAU and ICAR should develop technologies and resources for organic agriculture in the region.
“Central Agricultural University is a unique agricultural university in the country, which takes care of the agricultural education, research and extension needs of six of the North Eastern Hill States. The University has played a pivotal role in the overall development of the states under its jurisdiction,” the minister explained.
The minister expressed pride that the students of this university are doing exceedingly well in the national-level competitive examinations. “I am told that in 2014 the university obtained 2nd position in India with respect to ICAR-JRF scholarships awarded to its students. This year 17 students of this college have cleared ICAR-NET examination. For this good performance, I congratulate all the students and hope that they will give their University, their region and their country a good name.”
Singh also said that the north east region has a lot of potential for agriculture and human resource development. It was for that reason that 6 new colleges under the Central Agricultural University have been planned, including one each for Nagaland and Mizoram.
“To empower the unemployed rural youths, the university has planned 6 vocational training centres and six multi-technology testing centers, and I hope that these centers for making rural youth employment generators rather than employment seekers, would be implemented soon,” the minister said.
Further, the minister expressed happiness that the scientists of said university were “whole heartedly participating” in the government’s Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav scheme. The effort by CAU to develop and distribute 2500 soil health cards to the farmers is appreciable, he said and hoped that the efforts will continue and be beneficial for the farmers in future.
“For the food and nutritional security of the north eastern states, it is important to promote the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses. The effort by Central Agricultural University to promote Rabi mustard under zero tillage is commendable. I hope that the university will play an important role in increasing the cropping area of different pulses like lentil and lathyrus.”
The minister also advised the scientists of said university and the ICAR to develop technologies and resources for organic agriculture in the north eastern region. Emphasis should be given on production of farm manure from all organic waste, Singh said.
“To make agriculture monetarily remunerative is a challenge in front of all of us. It is my expectation from all the teachers, scientists and students to accept this challenge and work towards fulfilling the interest of the Indian farmers.”
