Newmai News Network
Imphal | July 30
Manipur Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar on Tuesday inaugurated ICAR NEH Quality Analysis Laboratory, Manipur at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat in Imphal West.
It is the first of its kind laboratory, especially under the public sector, which is established in the entire North East region. The laboratory is funded by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation under the centrally sponsored scheme Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function, Shyamkumar said that the laboratory will play an important role in quality analysis in Manipur and in the entire North East region. He opined that it will help in checking the quality of food items/products which are beneficial for the human consumption.
Speaking on the necessity to plant more of ‘yongchak’ (parkia) plants in the State, he said less production of the 'yongchak' due to insect attack has resulted in importing the food item from the neighboring country. He also said that, to solve the problem the Forest Department took an initiative and the scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun have been successful in finding the cause and solution to the problem.
Shyamkumar then appealed to the people to avail the solution prepared by the scientists from the Forest Department to solve the issue of insect attack on the 'yongchak' trees. He also said that such 'indigenous' trees should be preserved as it is one of the valuable food items in Manipuri cuisine.
The MInister then lauded the officials of ICAR for completing the laboratory in short period of time.
It is worth mentioning here that, more than 100 quality parameters can be analyzed in the laboratory such as carbohydrate, protein, energy specific chemicals, adulteration (food, fish, milk) among others. Apart from it, scientific research work is also carried out.
Interested individuals can also avail the opportunity to undergo training programme on food quality analysis at the quality analysis laboratory which has obtained the highest ISO certification from UK, has already applied to the Food Safety Authority of India for notifying the laboratory as the certified lab in Manipur. Nominal charges are kept for the farmers and entrepreneurs which ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 1000.The laboratory will play a crucial role while exporting organic products from the State and also check the food quality of the imported products.
