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IBSD signs MoU with Belgian research group

By Sobhapati Samom

TAKYELPAT, June 20 - Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat here is all set to begin a collaborative work with a Belgium-based research group to study the bio-resources of the region for �circular economy� as done in European Union.

�A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed soon,� said Director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo of IBSD, a national institute under Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday.

The MoU will be signed with the Belgium-based VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research), a leading European independent customer-oriented research organisation which provides innovative technological solutions and scientifically-based advice and support to encourage sustainable development and to reinforce economic and social structures.

Stating that the time has come to introduce double cropping system in the region by adopting storage of water in the fields, Prof Sahoo also said that aromatic plants besides paddy could be cultivated round the year by using the expertise of the Belgium research group.

�We are also planning to take up bio-refinery process of bamboo and its products as Manipur has adequate bamboo plants. At the same time we will also explore possible ways to remove silica from water sources (rivers, etc) in the region with Belgium inputs,� he added.

�The development of bio-based industry as sustainable development of the region is high on the agenda. Once Manipur is developed as a model State, it can be replicated in other parts of the country.�

The public here suspect that Silicosis, a disease occuring in the region due to presence of silica in the food. Further, no scientific study has been done on the high incidence of gallstone cases among the population in Manipur.

Prof Dr Ludo Diels of Antwerp University, Belgium, who is a scientist at VITO admitted that the use of bio-refinery process would be helpful in combating the climate change and generating circular economy as done in European countries.

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