State holds a lot of potential for food processing, explore it: Dr. Najma Haptulla

Imphal, the 20^th March, 2018 (DIPR): The 105^th  Indian Science Congress, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 16^th March, 2018 here in Main Pandal, Manipur University, Imphal was concluded today.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, the Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla said that the state holds a lot of potential for food processing; explore it particularly to the scientists and researchers of the country. Manipur is rich bio-diversity, within the top 10 hotspot in the world with the wealth flora and fauna. New species are being discovered day after day and still more are waiting to be discovered. Manipur possesses unexplored potential in the field of agriculture too. It also produces marketable surplus in a number of perishable commodities such as banana, pineapple, orange and tomato. Science and Technology can unlock these potentials of Manipur and it is in resonance with the theme of this edition of the Indian Science Congress that is “Reaching the unreached through science and Technology”.

The Chief Guest urged that research work should not be rendered a one time exercise for a limited purpose. The scientific temperament should be sustained and there should be continuity in their quest to better the condition of the people. Often time, it has happened that research is done and the result consigned to oblivion. The findings should be disseminated and put to proper use.

India is becoming one of the world’s powerhouses for scientific research. The nation has seen steady increasing in Government’s spending on research and development and has a critical mass of well-educated professionals and a vast pool of scientists and technologists. Our endeavour should be to spread the wing of knowledge and development to every nook and corner of the country touching the life of every citizen through science and technology and the scientists and researchers have a well chalked out role to play, she added.

As part of today’s valedictory function, awards especially for encouragement of young scientist ‘Young Scientist Awards 2017-18’ to 14 awardees, ‘Best Poster Award’ to 20 awardees, ‘Best Science Model’ to five awardees and ‘Pride of Indian Exhibition Awards’ were distributed to the awardees from across the country. The awards include one Certificate and one Memento each.

It may be mentioned that Manipur University hosted the 105^th Indian Science Congress and the theme was “Reaching the unreached through Science and Technology”. The 106^th Indian Science Congress will be held at Barkatullah University, Bhopal in January 2019.