CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology here has expanded its aroma and floriculture mission activities in Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr. G Narahari Sastry, director, CSIR-NEIST, inaugurated the second multi-locational experimental research field at Runne, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Bosing Bango Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd., Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.
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An MoU has also been signed between the CSIR-NEIST, and Bosing Bango Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd., Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh to promote cooperation in scientific research and dissemination of technology related to aromatic, medicinal, floriculture and other important plants.
Dr. S. P. Saikia, principal investigator, CSIR Aroma Mission; Dr. Mohan Lal, co-investigator, CSIR Aroma Mission and a team of scientists from CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat were present on the occasion.
CSIR-NEIST has undertaken a plan of setting up about 15 multi-locational experimental research fields in Northeast, 5 farms in Assam, 4 in Arunachal, 1 each in Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura.
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“The main aim is to achieve identification, domestication, cultivation of rare, threatened and endangered species of medicinal plants to sustain the modern pharmaceutical industries,” Dr Sastry said.
It is also aimed at achieving “sustenance of India’s strong traditional system of medicines for which the crucial factors such as breeding of new plant varieties, identification of stable performance through multilocational trials, integration of modern science along with market and industrial application potential are the key,” Dr Sastry added.
The director further said high-scale production of these medicinal plants would be helpful to meet the industrial demands as well as cease the import of the raw materials further boosting the country’s economy.
The first field had been inaugurated at Rajapara in Assam’s Kamrup rural district in collaboration with Aroma India Pvt. Ltd. on September 15 last.
Dr Sastry said the post-harvest processing, value chain and strong networking with the industries are the key points in which CSIR-NEIST would be helping the farmers to gain maximum profit possible.
CSIR-NEIST would also help the farmers by providing an ambience to conduct the highest level of fundamental science and translational research, Dr Sastry said.
The director also visited College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh and had a discussion with Dr. B N Hazarika Dean, CHF, CAU to promote cooperation in scientific education and research between the two Institutions.