IBSD promotes traditional foods of Mizoram
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2024: The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Mizoram Centre has successfully conducted a training programme on "Starter culture-based controlled production of traditional fermented food of Mizoram - Bekang-Um" .

According to a release issued by IBSD, the training was conducted in collaboration with Mizoram Science, Technology & Innovation and Mizoram University under the collaborative project funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, Director, IBSD, highlighted that IBSD is only the institute in the ambit of Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) under DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology in North Eastern Region of India.

He mentioned that IBSD is working for the development of Bioeconomy from bioresources with special reference to NER to encourage startups in this region.

He shared that IBSD is not only serving the people of Manipur in Northeast but also has three different Centres at Aizawl in Mizoram, Gangtok in Sikkim and Shillong in Meghalaya.

The Director also spoke about Bekang-Um, a traditional fermented soybean food of Mizoram, produced by natural fermentation and consumed by local people in the State.

He stated that IBSD is working in collaboration with MISTIC and Mizoram University on "Starter culture-based controlled production of Bekang-Um" and has developed a dry powdered formulation which shortens the fermentation period with improved quality, safety and health benefits.

Prof Mukherjee along with scientists of IBSD, MISTIC and Mizoram University also interacted with different stockholders, beneficiaries and encouraged them to promote traditional fermented foods with scientific validation for the development of startups in the State.

Dr Lalchhandami Toch-hawng, Scientific Officer, MISTIC and Dr K Jeyaram, Scientist, IBSD also spoke on the occasion.

Many entrepreneurs, faculties, scientists, scholars from MISTEC, Mizoram University, IBSD, Imphal, IBSD, Sikkim and IBSD, Mizoram participated in the programme.

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