Call for public concern in saving Yongchak from dying in Manipur
Source: IT News

Imphal, January 10 2021: A one�day National Seminar on "Dying of Tree Bean (Yongchak) in Manipur: Remedies and Steps Toward Conservation" will be held at the VC's Court Hall, Manipur University, Canchipur on the 16 January 2021 with the Governor of Manipur, Dr Najma Heptulla as the Chief Guest.

The main purpose of the seminar is conservation of tree bean from dying and promoting its local market in Manipur.

The seminar is organised by Manipur University in collaboration with Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba, CSIR-NEIST, ICAR, MOMA and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur.

A press release by AIMS said "Yongchak (tree bean) forms a staple part of the traditional diet of the Manipuri people.

Apart from having high nutritional values, it is also a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.

It is claimed that it eases depression, anemia, blood pressure, constipation, heartburn, strokes, eye-illness and indigestion.

Growing yongchak is also an excellent business in the state as a yongchak tree can provide an income of lakhs of rupees in a single season" .

The release further said, "However, withering of Yongchak due to various reasons including insect and fungus attack, unavailability of water source, change in ecosystem, reduction of plant pollinated animals like bats and lack of proper management etc.

on a large scale in different parts of Manipur in the recent past is a big issue.

Now, locally produced yongchak totally disappeared from the markets in Manipur.

Many cases of mass-death of yongchak have been observed during the last decade that seriously affect the socio-economic situation of the growers.

So, the farmers have been compelled to look for alternative means of livelihood.

Plantation of opium-poppy is also another reason for withering of yongchak.

There is an urgent need for scientific and biotechnological intervention for strategizing short-term and long�term plans for propagation, bringing socio-economic impact and sustainable production of this important tree.

It is time for the Government to frame a clear-cut policy to fight the disease and to activate relevant machinery to save the economy of the state as crores of rupees are lost from the dying of yongchak.

It is therefore necessary to take up timely remedial measures and proper steps for the conservation of yongchak before it is too late" .

The seminar will be opened to all the stakeholders, Farmers, researchers, scientists, academicians, individuals, functionaries, NGOs, Financial Institutes, Line Departments etc who are interested in conservation of yongchak from Manipur soil.

Comment