Two day workshop on Yongchak kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15 2022:
A 2-day State level workshop cum exhibition of treebean (Yongchak) began at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, today.
The programme is being organized 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), Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur.
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Prof N Mohilal Meitei, Head Zoology Department Manipur, during the keynote address mentioned that the production of tree beans is declining in Manipur and as such the State spends about Rs 370 crore in purchasing the same from Myanmar every year.
AIMS president Mayanglambam Khelendro stated that Manipur is the largest consumer of tree beans in the country.
He further stated deforestation, reduction in bats population, climate change and human intervention are some of the factors which hamper tree bean cultivation.
Dr H Birkumar Singh, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEIST, Imphal stated that tree bean is associated with the religion and tradition of Manipur, apart from being an important component of local cuisine.
"This is an important crop which has the potential to solve the problem of unemployment in the State," he added.
Director of Instruction, CAU, Imphal Dr S Basanta Singh stated that the tree bean is rich in micronutrients, antioxidants, phenolic compounds and possess anti cancerous properties and play an important role in conservation of soil nutrients and environment.
He stressed the need for inclusion of tree beans in the work plan of the State Government.
Professor Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, Director of IBSD, spoke about the phyto-pharmaceutical properties of tree beans and various products that can be produced from it.
Joint Director of the Department of Environment and Climate Change Dr Brajakumar highlighted the need to conserve tree beans in the State.
Director of ICAR RC NEHR, Umiam, Meghalaya DR VK Mishra stressed on the medicinal values and the need to promote plantation and conservation of tree beans.
He assured that the research institute will extend all possible help in preserving tree beans in the State such as providing seedling and funding the farmers.
Professor Amar Yumnam, former Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University highlighted the need to create strong linkages between the scientific and farming communities for better conservation of tree beans in the State.
As a part of the programme, a tree bean (Yongchak) competition was also held.
Altogether 40 growers participated in the exhibition and showcased the diverse tree beans available in the State.
A technical session was also conducted during the workshop.
Later, saplings of a tree bean were planted inside the ICAR complex.
Scientists, academicians, researchers and officials from various organizations including CAU, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, NABARD, Department of Agriculture, KVKs, NGOs and farmers participated in the event.