State level Yongchak exhibition begins at ICAR
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, March 15 2022:
With an aim to conserve and promote plantation of local varieties of Tree bean (Yongchak), a two-day State Level Workshop cum Exhibition on Yongchak began at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat on Tuesday.
The programme is being organised by Association for Protection and Promotion of Treebean (APPOT), an association jointly formed by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Manipur Centre, Manipur University (MU), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), Department of Environment & Climate Change, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-North East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST) Imphal, Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Imphal and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur.
Addressing the gathering, ICAR Umiam director Dr VK Mishra who attended the event as chief guest stressed on the medicinal values and the need to promote plantation and conservation of tree beans.
He assured that the research institute will help preserve the population of tree beans in the state and provide potential seedling to everyone along with fund assistance from the Institute.
Mishra further said that there is a need to develop agricultural and horticultural practices as well as identify the important areas and threats in conserving tree bean in the state.
Professor Amar Yumnam, who is the chairman of APPOT, said that while conserving and promoting plantation of Yongchak, there is a need to protect the environment as well.
He said that we should not only concentrate on the plantation of tree bean but also on different varieties of trees for a better ecosystem.
It may mentioned that Tree bean (Yongchak), a leguminous multipurpose tree, is a highly economical plant.
It is a favourite of the people of Northeast India particularly Manipur.
The plant parts are used at all stages starting from florets to mature black seeds and can be consumed either in fresh condition or sun-dried for use during off-seasons.
It is commonly grown wild in the Jhums, forests and backyards of houses throughout Northeast India without any special care.
It is a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.
It is claimed that the pods are good in easing depression, anaemia, blood pressure, constipation, heartburn, strokes, and helps improve eyesight and digestion.
The workshop will have five sessions and on the first day three sessions were conducted at Conference Hall, ICAR.
It was attended by officials of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, faculty members and students of Manipur University, IGNTU-RCM Makhan, CAU Imphal, ICAR Manipur Centre, KVK Imphal West and representatives of AIMS.
Stalls were opened by farmers coming from different districts of the state such as Maram, Chandel, Tamenglong, Kamjong, Theiyong and Maklang showcasing different homegrown varieties of Yongchak.