Mr Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister, Assam, inaugurated the 21st meeting of the ICAR Regional Committee, Region III at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat. In his address, Mr Gogoi stressed on the need of green revolution in the region that has already proved instrumental in building up the food security of the nation. He appreciated the role of AAU and urged agricultural scientists to focus on emerging areas like marketing, value-addition, post-harvest processing to increase the profitability of farmers. He said development of flood resistant rice varieties and introduction of new crops can be very important for Assam and other states in the region.

Mr Nilamoni Sen Deka, agricultural minister, government of Assam and Mr Yitachu, parliamentary secretary (veterinary and animal husbandry), government of Nagaland, addressed the audience raising critical areas of agriculture in the region.

Dr S Ayyappan, secretary, DARE and director general, ICAR, in his address, complimented the vice chancellor, AAU for organizing the 21st meeting of the ICAR Regional Committee. In the 12th Plan, the concept of "smart farming for smart farmers" would be a thrust area, he said. He also highlighted the new initiatives of the ICAR during Plan period, such as Farmer FIRST, ARYA and Student READY. He further suggested that water harvesting could be done and may be encouraged in areas like Arunachal Pradesh. "The seed chain concept should be brought into functioning. Customized farm implements, drought-flood contingency plans, medicinal plants and plantation crops cultivation are other areas in which research and extension work need to be strengthened," he added.

Earlier, Dr K M Bujarbaruah, vice chancellor, AAU delivered the welcome address and Dr Arvind Kumar, deputy director general, education, gave the background information and introduced the agenda in hand. Mr Arvind R Kaushal, additional secretary, DARE and secretary, ICAR; Dr S N Puri, vice chancellor, CAU, Imphal; DDGs and ADGs from ICAR, directors of ICAR institutes and directors of state agricultural departments from the North Eastern states also participated and graced the occasion.

Six books were released and certificates of appreciation for four National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) projects were given on this occasion. Dr S V Ngachan, director, ICAR Complex for NE Region, Barapani proposed the vote of thanks.