Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19:
A fair of indigenous seeds was held today at the Nungourok premises of Rural Education and Action for Change, Manipur (Reach-M) under the aegis of United NGOs Mission Manipur.
The fair in which many endangered seeds were exhibited, was graced by senior scientist of ICAR Dr BN Rao, District Officer, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Chandel Ng Beningtha and project coordinator of Manipur SFAC Mohendro as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, BN Rao stressed on the need to register indigenous seeds of the State.
An Act has also been passed in the Parliament in this connection, he mentioned.
Registration of seeds can be done at National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources, New Delhi and the details may be obtained from ICAR Lamphelpat.
He conveyed strong apprehension that indigenous seeds may become extinct following extensive substitution by hybrid varieties.
Mohendro described such indigenous seeds as the real asset of the people.
Most of the seeds and plants exhibited in the fair have medicinal values, Mohendro observed.
He said that the plant Thingpuchao (local name) is helpful in preventing stone case in human body.
Another indigenous plant kekru used in dying clothes has been demanded by pharmaceutical companies based outside the State for manufacturing drugs, Mohendro conveyed.
Following a recent discovery, initiatives have been taken up to weave clothes and manufacture paper for money from fibres extracted from banana plants.
A CD detailing the new utilities of banana fibres was also presented to the organisers by the guest of honour.
Ng Beningtha called upon the people to regenerate the indigenous seeds for the future generations.
As a part of the fair, a painting competition for children on the theme 'peace' was also organised.