The Central Agricultural University has been established by an act of Parliament, the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992 (No.40 of 1992). The Act came into effect on 26th January, 1993 with the issue of notification by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Govt. of India. The University became functional with the joining of first Vice-Chancellor on 13th September, 1993. The jurisdiction of the University extends to six North-Eastern Hill States viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura, with headquarters at Imphal in Manipur.

Like other Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural University, Imphal has integrated programmes of teaching, research and extension education.

As per the mandate, the university has established different constituent colleges, namely: College of Agriculture (Imphal, Manipur), College of Fisheries (Agartala, Tripura), College of Home Science (Tura, Meghalaya), College of Horticulture & Forestry (Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh), College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry (Aizawl, Mizoram), College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (Gangtok, Sikkim), and College of Post-Graduate Studies (Umiam, Meghalaya). Except for the College of Agriculture (erstwhile Manipur Agricultural College, Imphal), other constituent colleges of University came into existence after the establishment of University

The mission of the University is to be a centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension education in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The University aims to develop sustainable farming systems for improving productivity and profitability in agriculture and allied sectors and also train the farmers and extension functionaries for the effective dissemination of advanced agricultural technologies in North-East India.

The University acts as an important link in the chain for converting agriculture and allied vocations into profitable enterprises and offering food and nutritional security for the people of North-East region. To realize the above mission, University established seven colleges and three Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the six states of North-East India and offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree Programmes in agriculture and allied sciences.

v  To impart education in different branches of agriculture and allied science as it may deem fit;

v  To further the advancement of learning and conducting of research in agriculture and allied sciences;

v  To undertake extension education programme in the states under its jurisdiction; and

v  To undertake such other activities, as it may deem fit, from time to time