Agartala/Imphal April 26: Northeast India boasts some of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, with Manipur offering significant untapped opportunities, said Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Speaking at the Foundation Day event of BRIC – Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (BRIC-IBSD) in Takyelpat in Imphal, Bhalla underscored Manipur’s vast potential for sustainable growth.
BRIC-IBSD stands as a leading biotechnology research hub in the northeast, dedicated to advancing bioresource development through cutting-edge innovations to boost the region’s socio-economic progress. Governor Bhalla praised the institute’s efforts to blend scientific research with sustainable practices.
The Governor highlighted the potential for eco-friendly utilization of forest-based resources, including non-timber products, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, bamboo, wild edible mushrooms, and insect-based bioresources. Drawing on his extensive experience as a former Union Home Secretary with deep insights into the northeast, Bhalla described Manipur’s natural wealth as the foundation for IBSD’s innovative mission to unlock sustainable, science-driven solutions.
Bhalla also noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian government has rolled out major initiatives to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. These include the National Water Mission, the National Mission for a Green India, and the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, all aimed at fostering eco-conscious growth.
The Governor further spotlighted Manipur’s vibrant handloom and handicraft industry, commending local artisans for preserving traditional techniques while embracing contemporary designs. He pointed out that combining biotechnology with traditional craftsmanship could open new avenues for innovation, urging stronger integration of scientific research into practical applications to propel the sector forward.
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Besides, Bhalla called for closer collaboration between traditional healers and scientific researchers to create equitable benefit-sharing models and foster ethno-entrepreneurship centered on medicinal plants and fermented foods.
During his visit, the Governor toured the institute’s Genome Sequencing Facility and participated in Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting a tree on the campus. (With inputs from ians.in )
