Aizawl, May 16: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Academic cum Administrative Building of the College of Horticulture at Thenzawl and the new Postgraduate Girls’ Hostel at the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Selesih.

The inauguration ceremony was held via video conference, with Mizoram Governor Gen. Dr. VK Singh (Retd.) joining online and Chief Minister Lalduhoma attending the event in person at Thenzawl as the guest of honour.

Unable to attend physically due to adverse weather conditions in Guwahati, the Union Minister conveyed his message online, describing Mizoram as a geographically significant state with strong potential for horticultural development. He highlighted that the new infrastructure will support students and farmers, reinforcing the Central Government’s commitment to agricultural growth in the region.

Governor VK Singh stressed the importance of agriculture and allied sectors in Mizoram’s economy. Noting that 55% of the state’s land is suitable for horticulture but only 10% is utilized, he called for increased focus on farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, supply chain improvements, and organic farming.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma, in his address, stated that the two colleges under Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Thenzawl and Selesih are valuable institutions offering quality education across the region. He also highlighted the state’s recent funding support for a Pesticide Residue Laboratory at the Selesih college and called for more outreach programmes for farmers.

Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, thanked the dignitaries for their support and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to regional educational development.

The newly inaugurated facilities are expected to strengthen academic and research capacities in horticulture and animal sciences in Mizoram.