RK Ranjan stresses on GI tagging of Manipur's rare species
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 03 2019: Earth Day Network (EDN) India, North East Diocesan Social Service Society (NEDSSS) Guwahati and Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) Mantripukhri organised a one day consultative workshop on "Protect Our Species: Role of Civil Society Organisations" at DSSS Mantripukhri today.

Lok Sabha MP Dr RK Ranjan, Archbishop of Imphal Dominic Lumon, PCCF & HOFF, GoM K Avi Angami and Project Director, MOMA, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation K Debadutta Sharma attended the function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the function, Dr RK Ranjan said people should nurture and protect the rare species, which are the gifts of nature, found only in the State.

However, the people have become carefree and negligent of the natural resources, the forests, the species etc and are depriving the future generation of all these benefits.

RK Ranjan stresses on GI tagging of Manipur's rare species

Dr Ranjan said that the finest and most valued diamond is found in Africa but it is unfortunate that the people there do not know how to sustain these nature gifts resources and minerals or add value to it.

As such Africa is known as the dark continent, he added.

Although the people are sitting on the green gold mine, they are still unable to explore all the species and document their habitat.

It is of utmost importance for the people of the present generation to promote, protect and nurture these resources and species and preserve them for the generations to come.

He said that the reason why U-Morok (King chilli) failed to attain GI is because Scientists, academicians were not fully alert of GI and patenting.

He maintained that even though the Central Government has sanctioned a huge fund for this project, there still lacks proper documentation.

In order to prevent such opportunities from slipping, he urged all individuals concerned to remain alert and aware at all times.

Project Director, MOMA, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation K Debadutta Sharma said that, two years back, Kachai lemon received GI tag and now this particular species cannot be claimed by anyone.

MOMA initiated the GI processing of Shiroi Lily, Tamenglong orange and Hathei chilli of Sirarakhong but Shiroi Lily was rejected as per the guideline and that it was not considered as a commercial species.

He informed that the Sirarakhong Hathei chilli and Tamenglong chilli will be attaining GI tags within 5-6 months.

Underlining the importance of GI tags, he said that the State has failed to get GI tags for U-Morok, Neem and Basmati rice which is unfortunate.

If such species found or grown in the State continue to be claimed by other States, then Royalta tax will also go them.

Different plants which have medicinal value are being over-exploited and are now vulnerable or on the verge of extinction.