Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 25 2022: The north eastern region is a biodiversity hotspot for India and using forest products could boost bio-economy to a great extent, said Central Agricultural University Imphal vice-chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra.
He was attending a technology product showcase event organised as part of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana - entrepreneurship and skill development programme at the university premises on Friday.
CAU directorate of extension education, ICAR National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources Bengaluru and forest department, Manipur jointly organised the programme.
Speaking as chief guest of the event, Dr Anupam informed that CAU is working with different line departments of the state government to develop bio-economy of the State.
Considering the rich biodiversity in the state and the north east region, Manipur could give a major boost in bio-economy by using forest products, he opined.
Dr Anupam also emphasised on the need for identifying and promoting the medicinal plants available in the region and to support farmers by developing their skills and providing guidance to them.
CAU directorate of extension education director professor Ph Ranjit said that the ministry of tribal affairs set up Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) in 1987 to help the tribes in improving their socio-economic condition.
Van Dhan Yojana was implemented in the state under TRIFED from October 14, 2019 with the forest department as the implementing agency while CAU became the training partner from 2021.So far, over 900 farmers have been trained in terms of value addition and other food processing activities like making jam, jelly, pickle, candy, RTS, juice and dehydrated products through 36 training programmes.
Stating that CAU directorate of extension education has been playing a major role in bringing transformation in the agriculture sector through trainings and technology transfer among other activities, he also highlighted the huge potential of the northeast region in terms of nature tourism, agro tourism, adventure tourism and sustainable farm tourism.
TRIFED state nodal officer and conservator of forests Gaithaolu spoke at length on Van Dhan Yojaya.
CAU Imphal registrar professor K Mamocha, CAU College of Agriculture dean professor Indira Sarangthem and CAU director of research Dr S Basanta also attended the programme as guests of honour.