'CSIR Floriculture Mission aims to conserve, promote indigenous orchid species'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 11 2023: A naturally ventilated polyhouse for floriculture was inaugurated today at Mongj am Mamang Leikai Chingkhong in Imphal East district.

The polyhouse was established by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Branch Laboratory Lamphelpat, Imphal as a part of CSIR Floriculture Mission, said a press release by the Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) .

Dr H Birkumar Singh, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEIST, Lamphelpat inaugurated the polyhouse in the presence of Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, AIMS president and Dr Homen Thangjam, faculty member of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.

Dr H Birkumar Singh stated, "The objective of the mission is conservation and promotion of indigenous orchid species of Manipur.

We expect the beneficiaries of the polyhouse to collect and grow indigenous orchid species of Manipur".

Further, he added that when the Government of India undertakes any scheme, it examines the potential of the prospective beneficiary, feasibility of the space where the scheme shall be implemented and finally, the prospect of further expansion.

He said, "I am glad to know that Thongam Joysana has been already working for years in bee-keeping, producing organic honey.

Moreover, he has been maintaining a nursery for flowers.

In appreciation of his sincerity, work culture and dedication, we decided to provide him this polyhouse".

Dr Homen Thangjam while speaking at the occasion expressed his gratitude to CSIR-NEIST for such a noble cause.

He added that on account of climate change various plant species are disappearing from the face of earth.

Providing polyhouses to deserving beneficiaries shall go a long way to conserve and promote exotic species of Manipur's orchids.

He also added that such a venture also assures avenues for revenue generation to several unemployed educated youths of Manipur, Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh maintained that Thongam Joysana has been living in this isolated hamlet along with his young wife and three kids for more than 10 years tending to bees and undertaking farming to sustain the family.

He said, "Of all the many youths I have known, I have never come across such a brave and hardworking person like Joysana.

He is someone who does not lose heart in the face of adversity and poverty".

After the inaugural function, Dr Birkumar Singh also presented to Joysana one bag of urea, one bag of SSP, one bag of MOP, wet coco peat, nursery poly bags, hose pipe, one battery operated spray, garden tools including khuipi, one five-litre water tank, one hedge cutter, one spade, one secateur and one bill hook and one roll of aluminium wire, added the release.

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