Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 04 2010:
Ten women scientists working in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sylvan Henbung in Senapati district, which is the host institute of Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS), have been selected by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for granting fellowship under its Woman Scientist Scheme.
It is for the first time that women scientists working in KVKs in Manipur have been granted fellowships under the Scheme which has also been launched formally in Manipur from today during a function attended by MLA of Khangabok A/C Okram Landhoni at KVK, Sylvan Henbung.
The women scientists have been selected for the fellowship in recognition of their research work on chemical analysis of around 20 medicine plants and the need for capacity building at the KVK.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme as chief guest, MLA Landhoni congratulated the women scientists who have been selected for the fellowship and observed that at one time women could not even think of coming out from within the confine of their homes, but today they have excelled in various fields of education and research.
She said that inspite of its small size, Manipur has been able to take part in the race for development today.
However, she expressed serious concern over decrease in available land for agricultural purposes in the face of the growing population and the need for increasing food production by adopting new scientific methods.
In his presidential address, president of FEEDS/KVK Sylvan Henbung Haokholet Kipgen informed the gathering that the KVK has introduced a Bio-Diversity Development Programme meant only for women and the Government of India has approved setting up Orchid Gene Bank, Eastern Himalayan Region, a research centre on Orchids at KVK Henbung.
Speaking as one of guests of honour of the function, chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Corporation AK Mirabai stressed on the need for research on the medicinal plants found in the State.
MLA of Moirang A/C M Prithiviraj who was also present at the occasion as one of the guest of honour distributed certificate of honour given by the KVK among the people.