Researchers achieve genetic blueprint of 'Utong Ngari'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 02 2025: The School of Biological Sciences, Manipur International University (MIU), Ghari, under the leadership of Professor Ajit Kumar Ngangbam, has achieved a historic milestone with the successful publication of the first global bacterial shotgun metagenomic gene sequence of 'Utong Ngari', a traditional fermented fish delicacy of Manipur.

A release issued by MIU informed that the genetic dataset is now officially archived in the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA), UK, under Project IDPRJEB91848 and Accession Number: ERP174778.This pioneering work provides the first-ever comprehensive metagenomic profile of the bacterial communities involved in 'Utong Ngari' fermentation, traditionally processed in bamboo trunks.

Using advanced 16S rDNA (V3-V4 region) high-throughput sequencing, the study reveals dominant microbial taxa responsible for fermentation, flavour development, probiotic effects, and the production of bioactive compounds, the release explained.

Functional predictions from the dataset suggest microbial pathways involved in organic acid synthesis and antimicrobial peptide production opening new opportunities for the development of standardised, value-added, and health-promoting fermented fish products.

"This is not just a scientific achievement; it is a tribute to the cultural heritage of Manipur.

By decoding the microbial language of 'Utong Ngari', we are preserving indigenous knowledge while contributing to global food biotechnology," said Prof Ajit.

Prof Ajit Kumar Ngangbam is an accomplished scientist with multiple international accolades, including the Young Scientist Award (SERB), Erasmus Mundus Fellowship (European Union), IPRS Fellowships and Australian Postgraduate Award (Govt of Australia), Jacob BlausteinCenter for Scientific Cooperation Post-doctoral Fellowship (BGU, Govt of israel), Post-doctoral Fellowship, FAMU, USA, and Marcus Post-doctoral Fellowship in Water Sciences (Israel), and has served as a post-doctoral fellow in Australia.

He is currently engaged in an international research collaboration with the renowned Prof Kirsten Benkendorff's laboratory at Southern Cross University (SCU), NSW, Australia.

This achievement would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of vice chancellor Prof Harikumar Pallathadka, pro-vice chancellor Prof Potsangbam Kumar Singh, registrar Prof Takhelchangbam Brajeshwari Devi, director Ningombam Amarjit Singh, and administrative officer Soraisham Kiran, and faculty and administrative team of MIU, said the release.

It also acknowledged the support and contribution of the research team of School of Biological Sciences, MIU (Dr Bijayalakshmi Devi Nongmaithem, Rocky Singh Haobijam, Laishram Lenin Singh, Lakshmikanta Khundrakpam and Laiphrakpam Pinky Chanu).

Given its unique microbial identity, traditional preparation method, and strong cultural heritage; 'Utong Ngari' is also a strong candidate for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging which could further promote its global recognition and protect its indigenous value, the release pointed out.

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