Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on May 15 inaugurated the new Academic and Administrative Building of Thenzawl Horticulture College and the Postgraduate Girls Hostel at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Selesih. The event was attended in person by the Chief Minister at Thenzawl, while Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Mizoram Governor General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh joined through video conference. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed pride in the development despite Thenzawl’s remote location. He highlighted the benefits of video conferencing, which helped overcome difficulties caused by poor connectivity in the area. Chouhan praised Mizoram’s natural resources, fertile land and favorable climate, all ideal for horticulture. He spoke about the role of these colleges in improving education and skills in agriculture and animal husbandry, which are key for the state’s progress.
Governor General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh described agriculture as the backbone of Mizoram’s economy. He said that 55% of cultivable land is used for horticulture, with around 10% of produce exported outside the state. The Governor expressed confidence that with more support through Farmer Producer Organizations and better supply chains, agricultural output and markets can grow. He also stressed the importance of organic farming and said the Thenzawl Horticulture College will play a key role in building skills and education in the sector, supporting the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and a ‘Developed Mizoram.’ Chief Minister Lalduhoma said having colleges affiliated with the Central Agriculture University is a major achievement for Mizoram. He said that the College of Veterinary Sciences at Selesih and Thenzawl Horticulture College will provide quality education not just for Mizoram but for the entire northeast region. The Chief Minister spoke about the colleges’ role in training farmers and helping develop horticulture and animal husbandry in the state.
The Mizoram government is fully backing these colleges. This year, the College of Veterinary Sciences plans to set up a Pesticide Residue Laboratory to ensure safer agricultural products. Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agriculture University, thanked all officials for their support and said these institutions will strengthen education and research in agriculture. The newly built PG Girls Hostel at the Veterinary College can accommodate 57 students, providing safe and comfortable housing for female students.
