NE India is heaven for scientific community: Governor
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 26 2025: Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla has stated that Northeast India, including Manipur, is a heaven for the scientific community due to its large biodiversity and availability of medicinal as well as aromatic plants.

The Governor stated this while speaking as the chief guest at the celebration of the 24th foundation day of BRIC - Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (BRIC-IBSD) at Takyelpat on Saturday.

BRIC-IBSD is one of the premier biotechnology research institutes in the region, with a mission to promote the development and sustainable use of bioresources through biotechnological innovations for the socio-economic growth of the region.

NE India is heaven for scientific community: Governor

Presided over by IBSD Imphal director Dr Nanaocha Sharma, the function was attended by Agriculture Scientists Recruitment Board, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, New Delhi chairman Dr Sanjay Kumar; Delhi University, Department of Botany head Prof Dinabandhu Shah; IBSD, Imphal ex-director Prof M Rohinikumar Singh and Manipur University vice chancellor Prof H Tombi as special guests.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay highlighted that the Northeast India is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity, and Manipur, in particular, holds immense untapped potentials, including the sustainable utilisation of forest-based non-timber products, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, bamboo, wild edible mushrooms, and insect bioresources.

"Which is why the region is a heaven for the scientific community," he observed.

He noted that this vast natural wealth forms the very canvas upon which IBSD paints its innovative vision-unlocking nature's potential in a sustainable and scientifically grounded manner.

The Governor further stated that under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Government of India has launched several key initiatives for environmental conservation and sustainable development, including the National Water Mission, the National Mission for a Green India, and the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem of Manipur's handloom and handicraft sector, Governor Ajay emphasised that local artisans and weavers do not only preserve age-old techniques, but also innovate with modern designs.

He further observed that while the intersection of biotechnology and traditional craftsmanship offers exciting possibilities, there is a need to better integrate scientific research into practical applications to drive further progress in this sector.

Noting that building linkages between traditional healers and scientific communities is important, he stressed the need for benefit-sharing models and the promotion of ethno-entrepreneurship based on medicinal plants and fermented foods.

As part of his visit, Governor Ajay toured the Genome Sequencing Facility at the Institute and planted a tree on the Institution's campus as part of PM Narendra Modi's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

The function was also attended by professors and officials from different bio-technology centres and universities.

Later, students and researchers of the Institute presented patriotic songs and other cultural performances.