NE to be India’s Bio-economic Hub

October 20, 2021 36 Views No Comment

Correspondent IMPHAL, OCT 20 : Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said Northeast would be developed as India’s Bio-economic Hub.

Mentioning that the eastern Himalayan region was one of the mega-biodiversity rich zones and among the 34 biodiversity hotspots of the world, he called for putting these invaluable genetic resources to use for economic growth of the region in particular and the nation in general through biotechnological interventions. He was speaking after visiting the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal.

The minister, who arrived here on Tuesday on a two-visit to Manipur, also addressed the inaugural function of a national seminar on “Developing Bioeconomy from Bioresources of North Eastern Region of India” held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and organised by IBSD.

He said the Northeast would be the new engine for post Covid economic growth of the country.

Addressing the inaugural function, Singh said economic conditions across the globe have been badly affected due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“To ensure a viable economy and to be on track, contributions in diverse fields of economy are necessary. It is in this direction that the Northeast, which has rich bioresources, has a pivotal role in the revival of the country’s economy,” he remarked, adding, “Bioresources should fuel economic development.”

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he claimed that special attention had been given to the Northeast and many developmental projects had been taken up.

He also launched IBSD-ILS collaborative programme on “Capacity Building & Training for Young Researchers of North East Region on Bioresources Management & Advanced Biotechnology”.

He handed over quality planting materials of sweet mandarin (Citrus sp.), strawberry & Malbhog to the farmers of Manipur.

Union minister of state for external affairs & education Dr RK Ranjan Singh, who also attended the programme, said as Manipur fell in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, there was a huge potential for economic development through bioresources.

He claimed that scientific research and outreach programmes had been conducted throughout the region by IBSD.

“The ultimate purpose of research is to benefit people and therefore IBSD should also work to serve the purpose,” he exhorted.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/ne-to-be-india-s-bio-economic-hub/242655.html