Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently attended the Foundation Day celebration of the BRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (BRIC-IBSD) in Imphal. During the event, he emphasized the Northeast region’s rich biodiversity and its potential for sustainable development.
Governor Bhalla highlighted that Northeast India is home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, including forest-based non-timber products, medicinal plants, aromatic herbs, bamboo, wild edible mushrooms, and insect bioresources. He stressed the importance of utilizing these resources sustainably and scientifically to unlock their potential for socio-economic growth.
The Governor also spoke about the Government of India’s initiatives for environmental conservation and sustainable development, such as the National Water Mission, the National Mission for a Green India, and the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem. He underlined the need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific research to promote ethno-entrepreneurship, particularly in areas like medicinal plants and fermented foods.
Additionally, Governor Bhalla praised Manipur’s handloom and handicraft sector, noting that local artisans and weavers are preserving traditional techniques while innovating with modern designs. He called for stronger linkages between traditional healers and scientific communities to ensure benefit-sharing and practical applications of research.
As part of the event, the Governor toured the Genome Sequencing Facility at the institute and planted a tree, symbolizing his commitment to environmental conservation. The celebration underscored the critical role of biodiversity in shaping the region’s future and the importance of collaborative efforts to protect and utilize these resources responsibly.
