Jan 29, 2017: The State Government has accorded emphasis on development of Agriculture and allied sector without putting the ecosystem in danger. Preservation of bio-diversity and improvement of agri-productivity are the main thrust area of the Government. Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Assembly Pabitra Kar said this today after inaugurating a two-day North East Biodiversity Festival cum workshop of traditional crops -2017 at Agartala. The Festival was organized by DRCSC of Kolkata in association with Tripura Bio-diversity Board. The objective of this festival is to conserve traditional seeds of crops that are still available in villages of Tripura and other NE States.
Speaking on the occasion Deputy Speaker urged concerned officials to take immediate initiatives to patent traditional “Khashar” rice. Notably, Khashar rice, produced from traditionally preserved seeds, is famous for its unique aroma. He also urged the scientists and agri-students to go to agri-fields and share knowledge with farmers. Referring to achievement of Tripura Government’s initiatives relating Agriculture and allied sectors, Deputy Speaker said, productivity of paddy and horticultural products have increased considerably over time and irrigation facilities expanded from 2-3% in in 1970s to around 70% at present.
Stressing on the importance of Bio-diversity, Chairman of Tripura Bio-diversity Board, Dr AK Gupta said, if bio-diversity is affected, sustainability of human life will be in danger. He analyzed the importance of bio-diversity in the backdrop of climate change.
Stressing on generating awareness about Access and Benefit opportunities associated with commercial uses of these traditional products, Dr Gupta explained relevant Acts and Rules. He also highlighted roles of the Tripura Bio-diversity Board and said it is mandatory to set up Bio-diversity Management Committee (BMC) at all local governance level. According to available information, BMC has been created at 40 blocks in Tripura and one Nagar Panchayat. More than 280 BMCs have been set up at village level.
Farmers with samples of traditional seeds from Assam, Manipur and Karnataka attended the NE Seed bio-diversity Festival along with Tripura farmers from Jolaibari and two other organizations.
