CSIR invited Inner Lok Sabha MP Dr. RK Ranjan for a discussion on ” Food Processing and Related Activities in North East Region” at Anusandhan Bhavan New Delhi Committee Room number 118.

In the meeting Director General of CSIR Shekhar C Mande give the welcome remarks and Dr. RK Ranjan gave the Opening Remarks.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, CSIR- IHBT Palampur and Dr. K.S.N.S. Raghubar Rao talks on the potential of Manipur.

Giving his opening remarks Dr. RK Ranjan Singh said when Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Manipur in the year 2014 for election campaign he had the vision of opening a Herbal Industry in the state knowing its biodiversity potential. Dr. Ranjan wanted CSIR to fulfill the PM dream.

He said, around 1000 sample of Apple tree were planted in Ukhrul district and it came out successful. Dr. Ranjan said, Saffron Crocus (Crocus Sativus)which is endemic to Kashmir has been tested in Manipur for plantation and it is in the introduction status.

He further enquired the CSIR whether such plantation will affect the indigenous plants of the state. The CSIR replied that studies has been conducting.

CSIR Director General Shekhar C Mande said with the help of MSME and CSIR an awareness program will be conducted for the entrepreneurs, women self-help group and register society.

For this training, machinery and subsidy will be provided by the research institute.