Experts call for proper tapping of tree bean's potential
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 16 2022: The State Level Workshop cum Exhibition of Tree bean (Yongchak) organised by Association for Protection and Promotion of Tree bean (APPOT) concluded on Wednesday with holding of two technical sessions, a brain storming session followed by valedictory function.

The first technical session entitled, 'Economics of Tree bean & Agri-horticultural Management for Tree bean Decline' was chaired by NABARD, Imphal general manager Dr M Srinivasa Rao with CAU Imphal faculty Dr RK Dilip presenting a paper on 'Conservation and Utilisation of Elite Plants and Scope of Canopy Management in Tree bean' and Manipur University's associate professor (economics) Dr Chinglen Meisnam speaking on 'Economics of Tree bean in Present Scenario: State and Regional Perspectives' .

In the second session titled 'Therapeutics and Nutraceuticals of Tree bean', IBSD scientist-E Dr Pradeep Bhardwaj presented a paper on 'Medicinal and Nutritional Aspects of Parkia'.

The second resource person was DM University Dr Priya Elangbam, who presented a paper on 'Processing Effects on the Nutrients & Anti-nutrients of Parkia timoriana'.

The session was chaired by Integrated AYUSH Hospital, Lamphelpat MO Dr Thounaojam Ritamadhuri.

The technical sessions were followed by a brainstorming session, which was chaired by SAIRAM chairman and retired IAS Dr RK Nimai with 1GNTU-RCM Dr Homen Thangjam as co-chairperson and ICAR KVK Tamenglong Dr RK Roshan acting as the rapporteur.

The workshop cum exhibition ended with a valedictory function which was attended by MU vice chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh as chief guest, DM University VC Prof N Rajmuhon Singh as president, while NABARD GM Dr M Srinivasa Rao and SAIRAM chairman Dr RK Nimai were present as guests of honour.

Speaking at the pro gramme, Prof N Lokendra Singh noted that there is need for intervention of new technologies in Yongchak cultivation and called upon the participants to present economic, cultural and scientifically action-oriented recommendations.

In his presidential address, Prof Rajmohan remarked saving Manipur's huge bio diversity hotspot would play a decisive role on socio-economic future of the state and its people.

While expressing concern over genetically modified crops gradually replacing the native crops, the DMU VC also remarked that Manipur has natural dyes and Yongchak is one such dye that has great commercial potential.

A holistic approach, according to him, is the only way to protect and promote Yongchak.

During the valedictory function, prizes were distributed to the winners of the Yongchak Competition in which 40 participants (stalls) took part.

The first prize was bagged by Th Gonmei of Sibilong, Tamenglong (Stall No 27), second by Thangnei Kom of Thayong, Kangpokpi (Stall No 2) and the third prize by Khainibou of Tamei, Tamenglong (Stall No 12-15).Cash reward of Rs 20,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 along with citation were awarded to the first, second and third winners, respectively.

In addition, a cash prize of Rs 3000 each and citation were given to four consolation prize winners.

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