Yendang reintroduced at Nongmaiching
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2026: In a significant step towards the conservation of threatened cycad species, yendang was reintroduced at Nongmaiching Reserve Forest, Andro on November 12, 2026 for the first time in India.

The yendang reintroduction programme was organised by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, in collaboration with the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), Andro, and PIMMSAA, under the Central Forest Division.

The initiative is aimed at conserving this threatened cycad by re-introducing it into its natural habitat and encouraging local communities to take part in its protection.

The plants were raised from seeds at Botanic Garden of CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow.

Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, emphasised the importance of scientific interventions and collaborative efforts among research institutions, the Forest Department, and local communities in safeguarding threatened plant species.

He reaffirmed CSIR-NBRI's commitment to the conservation, propagation, and restoration of threatened plants through scientific research, institutional partnerships, and community participation, ensuring their long-term survival and preservation for future generations.

Vikram Nadhe, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Central Forest Division stressed the importance of protecting the natural habitat of Yendang (Cycas divyadarshanii) and sought the support of local communities in its conservation.

The representative of JFMC, Andro, appreciated the efforts of the CSIR-NBRI team in taking up the conservation of this valuable plant and expressed the committee's support for the initiative.

Dr Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Scientist-E, CSIR-NBRI, who led the initiative, spoke about the need to conserve Yendang through continued efforts and public participation.

He stated that more reintroduction programmes would be taken up in the near future and urged people to come forward and help save this ancient plant.

The programme marked an important beginning in the joint efforts of CSIR-NBRI.

the Forest Department and local communities to conserve Yendang and protect the plant diversity of Manipur.

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