Imphal: Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday attended the valedictory function of the Agrivision Agri-Youth Parliament 2026 held at Central Agricultural University in Imphal, where he emphasised the need to maximise agricultural opportunities for youth through the state’s startup ecosystem.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister visited the exhibition area comprising more than 30 stalls and interacted with participants, innovators and young entrepreneurs. He appreciated the innovative ideas, technological solutions and agri-based startups showcased by youth from across the Northeast region.
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On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released a policy document titled “Agricultural Extension Innovations for Achieving US $1.3 Trillion North East India Economy @ 2047 (Shillong Declaration)”, which outlines a roadmap for agricultural transformation in the region. Prizes were also distributed to winners of various competitions and presentations held during the event.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said that although he had initially prepared written remarks, he chose to speak spontaneously after witnessing the creativity and innovation displayed by participants at the exhibition stalls. He observed that increasing youth participation in agriculture reflects a positive shift and growing interest in the sector.
He noted that more than 50 per cent of the population is engaged in agriculture and stressed the need to further strengthen the sector. Highlighting the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, he said such platforms provide opportunities to harness the potential of young minds and connect them with real-world challenges.
The Chief Minister further stated that, in consultation with the Planning Department, the government will explore ways to maximise benefits from agriculture for the youth, particularly through the state’s startup ecosystem. He added that agriculture remains a key priority for both the state and the country and requires sustained attention and policy support.
Speaking on the occasion, Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, said the Agri-Youth Parliament 2026 brought together young innovators, stakeholders and policymakers on a common platform to deliberate on the future of agriculture in the Northeast.
He said the region holds immense potential to emerge as a hub for high-value and sustainable agriculture supported by innovation, research and youth-driven entrepreneurship, adding that such initiatives contribute to building a future-ready agricultural ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The Agri-Youth Parliament 2026 was jointly organised by Central Agricultural University and Agrivision as a platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration aimed at strengthening sustainable and market-led agricultural development in the Northeast region.
Among others present at the programme were Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University, Kamal Nayan, Zonal Organising Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Vikram Singh Farshwan, National In-charge of Agrivision, Dr Amit Goswami, National Advisory Council Member of Agrivision, Prof K Nandini Devi, Dean of the College of Agriculture, CAU, Prof Indira Sarangthem, Organising Secretary, and Dr Jeti Konsam, Co-Organising Secretary.
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