The 44th foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), North Eastern Hill (NEH) region, Manipur Centre, was held at its Lamphelpat campus near here on Wednesday.
Principal Secretary, JC Ramthanga of Horticulture and Soil conservation, Government of Manipur and Joint Director, Dr I Meghachandra of the ICAR NEH Region Manipur centre besides Senior Scientist AC Sharma (Retd) of the ICAR Manipur centre were present on the dais on the foundation day function.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary JC Ramthanga lauded the contribution made by the scientists of the ICAR Manipur center while implementing the important government programmes under the mission for integrated development of horticulture, Manipur organic mission agency and mission organic value chain development for north eastern region.
Stating that the inputs from ICAR were fully involved in government initiatives, the senior officer also informed this reporter that Manipur government is planning to establish cold chain system in the remote places of the state including Pherzawl district to help and support the requirements of the farmers.
In his speech, Joint Director in charge, Dr I Meghachandra of the ICAR NEH Region Manipur centre mentioned that Prof MS Swaminathan, the father of Indian Green Revolution with his visionary zeal led to the establishment of the ICAR Manipur centre on this day in 1975 as a regional centre with an objective to create the long felt farm research base in the state and to help in solving the problems relating to agriculture and allied sectors.
“Since inception, the ICAR Manipur centre with its five Krishi Vigyan Kendras has been working tirelessly for the development and dissemination of improved agro-technologies,” Dr Meghachandra added and personally expressed his desire to expand the activities of the institution in the interest of the farming community.