Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 21 2009:
In an effort to disseminate the medicinal value of various medicinal plants and herbs available in Manipur to the people and to conserve the plants in a scientific way, a three-day long State Level Workshop on Cultivation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants of Manipur was inaugurated today at the Conference Hall of the State Youth Centre, Khuman Lampak.
The inaugural function of the Workshop organised by the Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) under the sponsorship of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, was graced by the Executive Director of MASTEC, Th Surendranath, Senior Lecturer of Oriental College, Dr Th Brozendro and retired Joint Director, Ng Amumacha as the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Surendranath said that the over four thousand species of plants found in Manipur have been diminishing day by day due to the absence of authority to look after them.
He said that several species of medicinal plants have been lost due to the practice of jhum cultivation in the hills.
He said that the people of Manipur take pride in being the home of rare animal, Sangai and a atypical Siroy Lily like the people of Darjeeling feel proud of their tea.
He said that the people of Manipur have reason to hold head high for its various medicinal plants while adding that it is now the time to preserve the medicinal plants.
Around 56 persons have participated in the workshop.
Dr Th Brozendro has presented a talk on Application of Plants as Medicine with Special Reference to Past, Present and Future states in Manipur in the afternoon session.
Firm Manager of the Horticulture department, K Devdutta Sharma has spoke on the topic Intervention of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Scheme for Commercialisation of Medicinal Plants in Manipur.