HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 11: A naturally ventilated polyhouse for floriculture was inaugurated on Wednesday at Mongjam Mamang Leikai Chingkhong, Imphal East. The polyhouse was established by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Branch Laboratory Lamphelpat, Imphal as a part of CSIR Floriculture Mission.
Dr. H. Birkumar Singh, senior principal Scientist, CSIR-NEIST, Lamphelpat inaugurated the polyhouse in the presence of Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, president of Apunba Imagi Machasing, Manipur and Dr. Homen Thangjam, faculty member of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, who were the president and guest of honour of the function, respectively.
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Dr. H. Birkumar Singh stated, “The objective of the mission is conservation and promotion of indigenous orchid species of Manipur. We expect the beneficiaries of the polyhouse to collect and grow indigenous orchid species of Manipur”.
Further, he added that when the Government of India undertakes any scheme, it examines the potential of the prospective beneficiary, feasibility of the space where the scheme shall be implemented and finally, the prospect of further expansion. He said, “I am glad to know that Thongam Joysana has been already working for years in bee-keeping, producing organic honey. Moreover, he has been maintaining a nursery for flowers. In appreciation of his sincerity, work culture and dedication, we decided to provide him this polyhouse”.
He added, “Let me say, this is the first step. In the years to come, I hope we can help him and other deserving beneficiaries more”.
Dr. Homen Thangjam appreciated Dr. Singh and expressed his gratitude to CSIR-NEIST for such a noble cause. He added that on account of climate change various plant species are disappearing from the face of earth. Providing polyhouses to deserving beneficiaries shall go a long way to conserve and promote exotic species of Manipur’s orchids. He also added that such a venture also assures avenues for revenue generation to several unemployed educated youths of Manipur.
Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh also thanked Dr. Singh and CSIR-NEIST. He observed that Thongam Joysana has been living in this isolated hamlet along with his young wife and three kids for more than 10 years tending to bees and undertaking farming to sustain the family. He said, “Of all the many youths I have known, I have never come across such a brave and hard-working person like Joysana. He is someone who does not lose heart in the face of adversity and poverty”.
He added, “Our land shall progress when there are persons who earn money through sweat and hard work. Equally, our land shall be prosperous when the Government allots items of any scheme to deserving beneficiaries, not to any Tom, Dick and Harry, who are relatives of the Government employees”.
