North East Organic Bamboo Soil Fertiliser launched
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 24 2025: The North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) and the Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, in collaboration with the CSIR- North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), have successfully launched the innovative North East Organic Bamboo Soil Fertiliser on February 24, 2025, at the CSIR-NEIST campus in Lamphelpat, Imphal.

According to a release issued by AIMS, the launching event was graced by dignitaries, including Dr Thangjam Robert Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University; Dr Tensubam Basanta Singh, Scientist, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre; and Prof H Birkumar Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEIST.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, president of AIMS, Manipur.

In the keynote address, Dr Atom Sunil Singh, director, AIMS, Manipur shared key insights into the benefits of organic bamboo soil fertiliser and its impact on sustainable agriculture in the North East.

He also detailed the rationale, scientific basis, potential benefits, and implementation strategy for the Organic Bamboo Soil Fertiliser.

Expressing his views on the bamboo soil fertiliser as the best option for sustainable agriculture in the region, Dr Basanta noted that there is a need for a uniform product to ensure its efficacy and broader adoption.

He called for further collaboration with ICAR to validate and standardise the fertiliser.

Dr Thangjam Robert Singh discussed the scientific research underpinning the fertiliser and its expected impact on soil health and crop productivity.

He stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research to achieve the best outcomes in agricultural practices.

Prof H Birkumar Singh enthusiastically outlined CSIR's growing interest in bamboo products, emphasising the strategic focus on leveraging locally available bamboo resources.

"This is the very first instance of such a product at CSIR, which makes it quite interesting.

The potential profitability is high, with one bamboo 'saneibi' producing about 7/8 kg of compost at a cost of Rs 250 per bamboo.

This initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices", said Prof H Birkumar Singh.

Comment