Imphal: The Agri-Youth Parliament 2026 concluded on a high note at the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba under Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, bringing together policymakers, academicians, innovators, and youth leaders to deliberate on the future of agriculture in Northeast India.

Addressing the valedictory function, Vice Chancellor of CAU Imphal, Dr. Anupam Mishra, highlighted the significance of the event themed “Futuristic Agriculture for Northeast Bharat: Sustainability, Innovations and Opportunities.” He termed the North East Region (NER) as the “Final Frontier” of Indian agriculture due to its diverse agro-climatic zones and immense potential to emerge as a global organic hub.

The Vice Chancellor noted that while the NER accounts for nearly 8 percent of India’s geographical area, it holds disproportionate potential in high-value horticulture, aromatic plants, and spices. However, he pointed out key challenges such as “Farm to Market” logistics and the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural practices, emphasizing the critical role of youth innovators in addressing these gaps.

Established in 1993, CAU Imphal has played a pioneering role in transforming the rural economy of the North East through education, research, and extension programmes across the seven states of the region.

The three-day event witnessed participation from across the country, with around 700 student participants presenting startups and business plans. The programme included 370 registered delegates, 09 investors, 12 successful entrepreneurs, and 06 internationally acclaimed experts. A total of 150 oral and poster presentations were made by student delegates, alongside 32 stalls showcasing innovative technology-based solutions in agriculture and allied sciences.

Among these, 05 stalls featured entrepreneurs supported by CAU Imphal, 03 stalls represented student-led Experiential Learning Programmes, and 04 live demonstrations were conducted by local artisans from Manipur.

Two major initiatives were also announced during the programme. These included the release of the Action Plan for Agricultural Issues emerging from the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025 for the North East Hill Region, aimed at addressing grassroots challenges faced by farmers and scientists. Additionally, a Development Strategy for the Aspirational District of Tamenglong, Manipur was launched to ensure inclusive growth and self-reliance.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the collaboration with Agrivision in successfully organizing the event, which focused on empowering youth to lead the vision of a prosperous agricultural future, aligned with the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The valedictory function was graced by Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with several distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Kamal Nayan,  Vikram Singh Farshwan, Dr. Amit Goswami, Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Prof. Indira Sarangthem, and Dr. Jeti Konsam.

The programme began with the arrival of dignitaries, followed by felicitation. Prof. Indira Sarangthem presented the event report. Speeches were delivered by Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Dr. Amit Goswami,  Vikram Singh Farshwan, and Kamal Nayan.

This was followed by an address from Dr. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice Chancellor of NEHU and the Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra. Prize distribution was held after which Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh addressed the gathering. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jeti Konsam.

The event underscored a collective commitment to making Northeast India a beacon of Atmanirbhar Bharat through innovation-driven and sustainable agricultural development.

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