Imphal, October 16: As in other parts of the globe, the World Food Day, 2007 was also observed here today at State Guest House along with a inauguration of the two-day long seminar cum workshop on the 'Potential of research and development in agricultural and processed food products in Manipur'.

The event is being organised by Association of Food Scientists and Technologist of India, Manipur Chapter under the sponsorship of Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Manipur.

FCS and Commerce & Industries Minister Yumkham Erabot inaugurated the observance function as chief guest.

Giving the key note address of the function, Deputy Director of Commerce & Industries Sanasam Joykumar explained that the World Food Day, the day of dedication to the starving millions of the world, is being observed on October 16 every year since 1980 in commemoration of the establishment of Food and Agriculture Organisation as an agency of the United Nations.

In accordance to the report of FAO, there are more than 850 million starving people in the world today.

Taking cue from this, the seminar cum workshop is being organised with the main objective of promoting the traditional food items like Kabok, Heingan, Chagempomba ,etc as well as to find out ways and means of preservation of agricultural products in Manipur with special thrust on research and development, Joykumar said.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Minister Y Erabot observed that apart from the insufficiency of the agricultural produce specially rice in Manipur and the inability of the people to get into the habit of consuming other food items, people of Manipur should understand that the problem of scarcity of food grain in the State would remain as long as they depend on the monsoon for agricultural practice in view of the increasing population.

He pointed out that the total requirement of rice in Manipur during 2007-08 is 5,27,400 metric tonne.

However, after deducting total produce of the State, there is still the need for 2,64,440 metric tonne of rice to meet the demand.

Since 1,21,174 metric tonne of rice can be purchased from outside, another 1.42 metric tonne of rice would be still required in the State.

On the other hand, following suspicion of adulteration of the cooking oil brought in from Myanmar with animal fat, samples have been collected from Moreh as well as Imphal.

But as there is no facility for testing, it is not known where the test is to be conducted, the Minister said.

Nonetheless, the meeting of the State Cabinet yesterday had discussed strengthening of the police forces in the State and development of the Forensic Department at Pangei, the Minister added.

While noting that NGOs should also play an important role in this regard, the Minister hoped that the seminar cum workshop would help in generating knowledge and spreading awareness among the people in this connection.

Founder president of Association of Food Scientist and Technologist of India, Manipur Chapter G Nandalal Sharma presided over the function which was also attended by former Dean of College of Agriculture, CAU Dr S Bapu Singh as guest of honour.

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