Dr RK Ranjan plants tree at CSIR-NEIST campus
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 22 2020: Dr RK Ranjan Singh, MP, (Inner) Manipur planted tree saplings at the campus of CSIR-NEIST Branch Laboratory, Lamphelpat, in the presence of Dr Huidrom Birkumar Singh, Senior Principal Scientist, today.

Currently, CSIR-NEIST Branch Lab is establishing a mini botanic garden or germplasm bank for collection and conservation of indigenous, traditionally associated, economically important and vanishing plants with special reference to Manipur, said a press release issued by CSIR-NEIST Branch Laboratory, Lamphelpat.

Dr Ranjan planted traditional plants like Ureirom (Bixa orellana), Kekru (Sapindus mukorossi), etc.

which were used widely in the past in the state, it said and added that the MP also appreciated the efforts of the Laboratory to conserve the indigenous and economically important species.

He also highlighted the importance of biodiversity in the survival of human beings which provide food, shelter, medicine, good environment by mitigating global warming and emphasized the need for conservation of traditionally associated plant species.

Dr Huidrom Birkumar mentioned the importance of botanic gardens and germplasm banks.

The statement continued that altogether 66 different plant species are being conserved in the garden of the Laboratory which is now regularly visited by many students and teachers for the study of biodiversity.

On the occasion, 55 units of alcohol-based herbal hand sanitizer formulated by CSIR-NEIST Branch Lab, Lamphelpat were handed over to Dr RK Ranjan for distribution to COVID-19 worriers.

Dr Birkumar also highlighted technology of mosquito repellent body lotion currently being developed by the Laboratory, which will have a significant contribution to the society as mosquitoes are highly prevalent in the region.

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