The valedictory programme of the National Buyer-Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition concluded with a strong emphasis on strengthening market linkages, industry participation, and institutional convergence to accelerate agricultural transformation in the Northeast.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean, College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tura. This was followed by the release of the CAU, Imphal Institutional Profile Video. The event also witnessed the release of the CAU Imphal Farm Magazine, published by the Directorate of Extension, along with a series of publications on the agricultural economies of the Northeastern states, namely: Transformation of the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Economy, Transformation of the Manipur Agriculture Economy, Transformation of the Meghalaya Agriculture Economy, Transformation of the Nagaland Agriculture Economy, Transformation of the Sikkim Agriculture Economy, and Transformation of the Tripura Agriculture Economy.
The report of the National Buyer-Seller Meet cum Exhibition was also presented by Dr. Ranima Saikia, Associate Professor, and one of the organising secretaries.
Chief Guest, Shri Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary, ICAR, underscored the challenges and opportunities before agri-entrepreneurs in contributing to India’s economic growth. He identified climate change, transboundary zoonotic diseases, water scarcity, and connectivity as major concerns while commending Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal for its efforts in promoting agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kadirvel Govindswamy, Director, ICAR, stressed the importance of creating markets for unique indigenous products such as black turmeric. He called for stronger industry participation, better certification and legal support systems, institutional convergence, regular impact assessment of buyer-seller meets, and greater focus on commercially scalable products.
Guest of Honours, Shri Lalit Mohan Sharma, DIG, BSF, Tura, Meghalaya, Shri Ian Borney Saiborne, Director, Department of Food Processing, Government of Meghalaya also addressed the gathering.
Representing the investor community, Mr. Anupam Bansal, Executive Director, Liberty Shoes Ltd. appreciated the quality of products from the Northeast and highlighted opportunities in logistics, tourism, and long-term business partnerships.
Representing the exhibitors, one of the exhibitor from M/S K Warshong, Maligi, Shillong, Meghalaya thanked the organisers for providing a valuable platform to showcase products and connect with prospective buyers.
The programme was also attended by Dr. B. D. R. Tiwari, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner & Secretary, Elections Department, Government of Meghalaya, and Shri Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Executive Director, MSSDS, Government of Meghalaya.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Niranjan, Assistant Professor.