NE will be a new engine of development: Dr Jitendra
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, October 18 2021:
Union minister of state (independent charge) of science & technology Dr Jitendra Singh has said that North East (NE) region has been termed as 'New Engine' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the region having rich bio-resources with the help of biotechnology can be a new engine for post Covid economic development in the country.
Speaking at the inaugural function of a national seminar on "Developing Bioeconomy from Bioresources of North Eastern Region of India" organised by Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society on Monday, Dr Jitendra pointed out that due to Covid-19 pandemic, economic activities across the world has been badly affected.
He stated that to ensure a viable economy and to be on track, contributions in diverse fields of economy are necessary.
He mentioned that it is in this direction that the North East which has a rich bioresources has a pivotal role to play in the revival of the country's economy.
Pointing out that the contribution of Biotechnology is very much important in a state like Manipur where there are rich bio-resources, the minister said that bioresources should be the fuel for new engine for economic development.
Integrated farming activities should also be encouraged to ensure economic growth and to achieve the target of "Doubling Farmers' Income by 2022".IBSD has a key role in research and reaching out technologies to the farmers as well, he added.
Dr Jitendra further conveyed that peace and development have a reciprocal relation and both targets have been achieved progressively over the years.
He continued that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, special attention has been given to the North East and many developmental projects have been taking up in the region.
The Union MoS also launched IBSD ILS collaborative programme on "Capacity Building & Training for Young Researchers of North East Region on Bioresources Management & Advanced Biotechnology".
He also handed over quality planting material of sweet mandarin (Citrus sp), strawberry and Malbhog to the farmers of Manipur.
Union MoS for external affairs & education Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, speaking at the function, informed that as Manipur falls under Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspots there is huge potential of economic development through bioresources.
He noted that scientific research and outreach programmes have been conducted throughout North East by IBSD.
The ultimate purpose of research is to benefit people and therefore IBSD should also work to serve the purpose, he added.
Deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh stated that biotechnology has a key role in socio-economic development in Manipur.
He pointed out that around 70 per cent of the total area of Manipur is forest and 80 per cent of total population depends on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood.
In view of such importance, the state government has been trying to set up a Biotechnology Park.
It will help to establish bioresources based industries which will enhance socio-economic conditions in the state, he mentioned, while urging Dr Jitendra Singh for extending full support in setting up of the Park in the state.
In his address, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba said that North East India has been a unique biodiversity hotspot of the world and has huge potential to generate economy in bioresources which could be realised through extensive research and outreach works.
He also lauded the efforts made by IBSD in achieving milestone in terms of research and development in biodiversity in the region.
IBSD director professor Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, scientists, delegates and farmers attended the inaugural function.
Later, the dignitaries visited the facilities of IBSD including Phytopharmaceutical laboratory and Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) facility.
During the visit, Dr Jitendra also planted a sapling in IBSD campus in the presence Prof Mukherjee.
An MoU was also signed between IBSD and Government of Mizoram for Covid testing Mobile iLab to increase Covid testing facilities in Mizoram to combat Covid-19 pandemic.
The function was attended by officials from DBT, New Delhi; DST, Meghalaya, Assam and Manipur and other departments of state government.
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