IT News
Imphal, March 25:
The Department of Life Sciences (Botany), Manipur University (MU) inaugurated one-day Farmers ‘ training on cultivation and production of Job’s Tears (Coix Lacryma-jobi L.) on 21st March, 2025 at Kang-Shang, MU, Canchipur . An opening ceremony of Job’s Tears (Coix Lacryma-jobi L.) village seed bank and field gene bank, funded by ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology (Formerly ICAR-NRCPB) and IARI Campus, Pusa, New Delhi, India was also held as part of the inaugural function, marking a significant step towards conservation and production of the millet variety .
Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University attended as chief guest of the function. Illuminating the commendable research works of the Department of Life Sciences (Botany and Zoology), he applauded the department in taking up significant research project s and conservation of Job’s Tears, highlighted the importance of the millet in terms of its size and its nutritional values, encouraging its extensive production for commercial purpose.
Stressing on Manipur University’s contribution in the field of research, he stated that many research initiatives in the field of bio -research and herbal medicine are enterprising, bringing more quality research, innovative ideas, accelerating economy and increase the visibility of the university. He stressed that with rigorous training of dedicated students and competent faculty members associated with esteemed laboratories will lead to production of new knowledge, implications and utility of research output s, further strengthen ing socio-economic policies of the state and the country.
Speaking at the event as guest of honour, Prof. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director, Extension Education, Central Agriculture University (CAU) discussed in length on the benefits of variety of millets and its nutritional values. He stressed on the significance of millets as India is one of the largest producer in the world. He highlighted having seed gene banks, plant gene banks and in situ and ex situ conservation methods of Job’s Tears will enhance its production and conservation. He pointed out the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in North-East region will further enhanced its demand in local and international markets. Highlighting the contribution of CAU in its conservation, he stated that several rigorous conservation initiatives and field experiments with advanced technology are undertaken at the university level.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ng. Iboyaima Singh, Dean, College of Food Technology, CAU, stressed on the health and nutritional aspects of local Chaning Athotpa or Job’s Tears as its size is the biggest among all the variety of millets, helping diabetes management due to slow break down of sugar. He urged on imparting knowledge and awareness on this locally sourced variety of millet. He emphasised that promotion of its production and conservation will help in bringing Manipur at the forefront of millet production in India.
The function was presided over by Prof. Debananda Singh Ningthoujam, Dean, School of Life Sciences, MU. In his insightful speech, he highlighted the nutritional values of Chaning Athotpa and its significance as a draught resilient millet. He emphasized on creating awareness among farmers, providing them incentives for its cultivation and seed bank conservation will enhance the quality of this particular millet variety. He concluded that publication of bulletins on millets will promote its knowledge and information.
Dr. Thangjam Robert Singh, Convenor of the function and faculty member, Department of Life Sciences (Botany) delivered a welcome address, highlighting the importance of Job’s Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) as superfood, having more nutritional value than rice, calling for its expansion and conservation through awareness, conducting field experiments and collaborations with farmers, agriculture and research organisations, accelerating its bio-economy aspects. Meanwhile, Dr. Heikham Evelin, Department of Life Sciences (Botany), MU proposed a vote of thanks. The event concluded with a visit to the display arena of variety of Job’s Tears at the venue.It was observed that Chaning Athotpa kheer, a unique delicacy with a touch of Manipur i cuisine was served to all the attendees .
The one-day training programme was highly beneficial, leaving a last ing impression on farmers and health enthusiasts. The inaugural function was attended by teaching and non-teaching staff, students, farmers, and special invitees with great enthusiasm.
