Shillong, Nov 01: The Academic Assembly 2026 was held at the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGSAS), Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya, on 31 October 2026, on the theme “Transforming Classrooms through NEP 2020: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom, Culture and Experiential Learning.”
A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of six distinguished farmers and agripreneurs from Meghalaya with the prestigious ‘Krishi Gaurav Samman 2026’, recognising their exemplary contributions to agricultural development, conservation of indigenous crops, sustainable farming and rural entrepreneurship.
Notably, two of the awardees had earlier been acknowledged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat for their contributions to the revival and promotion of traditional millet cultivation in Meghalaya.
The Academic Assembly was jointly organised by Purvottar Janajati Shiksha Samiti (PJSS) and CPGSAS, CAU (Imphal), with the support of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) and Meghalaya Shiksha Samiti, under the leadership of Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CAU (Imphal), and coordinated by Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria, Director of Instruction, CAU (Imphal), and Dean, CPGSAS, Umiam.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CAU (Imphal), as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Debabrata Das, President, PJSS and Vice-Chancellor, Tripura University, presided over the function. Prof. Ganga Prasad Parsain, President, Vidya Bharati Purvottar Kshetra, attended as the Guest of Honour, along with Dr. Babli Chaudhury, All India Joint Secretary, Vidya Bharati, and other distinguished dignitaries.
The Krishi Gaurav Samman 2026 was conferred upon six awardees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to farming, agricultural entrepreneurship and the promotion of indigenous agricultural heritage. The awardees included Mr. Chekjing Sangma of Sadolpara village, West Garo Hills District, for pioneering modern millet farming and promoting millet cultivation; Smt.
Darapbiang Mulieh of Khanduli village, West Jaintia Hills District, for promoting millet value addition; Smt. Sitrian Surong of Khanduli village for championing Meghalaya’s traditional millet heritage; Smt. Trinity Saioo, popularly known as the Lakadong Lady of Meghalaya, from Mulieh village, West Jaintia Hills District, for championing indigenous Lakadong turmeric cultivation; Smt.
Jemnud Marpan of Thadnongniaw village, Ri-Bhoi District, for conserving indigenous crops and agricultural biodiversity; and Shri Midat M. Binau, Professor of Practice, Manipur University, Marngar, Ri-Bhoi District, for his inspiring agripreneurial initiatives in transforming traditional spice crops into global market opportunities.
The recognition highlighted the significant role of farmers, particularly women farmers and rural entrepreneurs, in conserving traditional agricultural knowledge, promoting indigenous crops, strengthening local value chains and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the North Eastern Region.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anupam Mishra emphasised the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern scientific innovations for sustainable agricultural development. He highlighted the invaluable traditional wisdom of tribal communities in biodiversity conservation, forest management and natural resource preservation.
He also stressed the need for scientific documentation and economic recognition of ecosystem services, alongside promoting primary processing, value addition and community-based enterprises to strengthen tribal livelihoods.
The Academic Assembly also featured two interactive sessions, namely Interaction with Farmers and Interaction on NEP 2020, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange of experiences among farmers, academicians, educationists and other stakeholders. The event witnessed the participation of 375 registered participants representing various institutions and organisations across the region.
Earlier, the inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. B. D. R. Tiwari, IAS, Chief Election Commissioner of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest, with Prof. Debabrata Das presiding over the function. The inaugural address emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge, cultural diversity, biodiversity and traditional values while pursuing inclusive and sustainable development.
The felicitation of the six awardees reaffirmed the commitment of CAU (Imphal) and CPGSAS, Umiam, towards recognising farmers as innovators, custodians of indigenous agricultural knowledge and key contributors to agricultural transformation. The initiative celebrated Meghalaya’s rich agricultural heritage and underscored the importance of farmer-led innovation in building a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural future.
