Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein had a meeting with scientists from CSIR – North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat on Thursday.
Mein discussed the rich natural resources and high biodiversity of the Himalayan State and sought transformation of the State through sustainable utilization of these resources with scientific and technological intervention.
He urged the scientists to extend their services and technical expertise and help strengthen the research and development wing of the Frontier State. He said R&D is important for generating and developing products, processes and technologies in order to meet international standard in terms of quality, cost and efficiency.
Dr Pinaki Sengupta, Chief Scientist and Head, Materials Sciences and Technology Division and Coordinator CSIR-NEIST Branch, Itanagar, highlighted the activities and schemes implemented by CSIR-NEIST in the State on bio-fertilizer production, composting and installation of distillation Units.
He said that the Institute is planning to provide more science and technology inputs in the State in areas of organic agriculture to double the farmers’ income, entrepreneurship development and value-addition for local resources, addressing local problems through S&T interventions (STINER), employment generation through MSME technologies and skill development and to create scientific awareness among the people.
He also said the institute is also planning to expand its activities in new areas in collaboration with the State government and replicate its activities in all districts through mobile centre entrepreneurship, propagation of existing varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants, its cultivation, processing for livelihood and economic development, introduction and cultivation of new varieties of mushroom, dum-dum repellent and extraction of graphite deposits of Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr Egam Basar, Head of State Horticulture and Research Development, Itanagar and senior scientists from CSIR-NEIST Itanagar branch were present on the occasion.