DMU VC calls for tapping local resources
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 05 2023: DM University vice-chancellor professor N Rajmuhon has called for tapping and promoting the various resources available in the state before others make ownership claim.

Promoting these resources will also help in improving the state's economy, he opined while speaking at the inaugural function of a three-day training programme on 'Primary processing and value addition of medicinal and aromatic plants' being organised by MSME Technology Centre, Imphal, Ministry of MSME in association with Botany department of DM University at the department on Thursday.

As chief guest of the function, professor Rajmuhon reminded that as nature has given valuable resources in the north east region, especially Manipur, people need to understand their values and promote them while taking ownership of those resources before others make such claims.

All the natural resources available in the state have their unique values, with medicinal plants standout example for its abundant availability even in the wild, he said.

The vice-chancellor also spoke on the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants of the state, and stressed the need for further research and development by involving research institutes.

Obtaining patent for at least a half dozen of medicinal and aromatic plants of the state will help tremendously in improving the state's economy, he added.

Highlighting the negative impact of poppy cultivation to the society as well as on the soil health and biodiversity, the vice chancellor proposed introduction of medicinal and aromatic plants in those areas where poppy plantations have been cleared.

DM College of Science principal M Bhubaneshwari presided over the function while DM College of Science botany head Dr Ranjana Rajkumari and MSME Technology Centre Imphal deputy director Dr S Yoirentomba were the guests of honour.

In the technical session, Dr Yoirentomba spoke on 'Aromatic and medicinal plants in Manipuri Scope and entrepreneurship'; MSME Technology Centre Imphal OJT Maikado Moirangthem on 'Production techniques of fragrant raw materials and value addition in essential oils'; and MSME TC Imphal OJT Dr K Kamson on 'cultivation and production of essential oil from agar, turmeric and sugandhmantri' as resource persons.

A team of MSME Technology Centre, Imphal also con ducted a hands-on session on 'distillation of essential oil by Clevenger apparatus and extraction of aroma by solvent system' .

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