Imphal, Dec 13: After reaching an understanding with a South Korean research institute in August this year, the Manipur based central -Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Manipur-based central institute has signed an international memorandum with the inter-American University of Puerto Rico (IAUPR), US, at Takyelpat headquarters near Imphal this afternoon.
Director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo of the IBSD, who led an Indian delegation prior to the signing the memorandum, stressed on the unique bio resources of the north east states.
Chancellor Prof Juan A Negron-Berrios of the IAUPR led an American delegation during the day’s occasion. The event saw the attendance of Prof Ira A Levine, University of Southern Maine, US, who is also a Fulbright Distinguished; Prof Alok Arun of the Institute of Sustainable Biotechnology, IAUPR, senior scientists and researchers of the IBSD.
Later speaking to this reporter, Chancellor Prof Berrios said that they will look for joint research on seaweed, medicinal plants and phytoremediation.
“We’re planning to send our researchers here to learn and introduce phytoremediation approach. Similarly we’re expecting researchers from Indian institute as well. This region is really amazing,” Prof Berrios, who visited the region for the first time, said.
Prof Berrios also feels that the unique bio-resources of the region can be complemented by their state-of-the-art technology, for sustainable utilization to bring about prosperity of the region.
Also, IBSD Director Prof Sahoo told reporters that the understanding between the two institutes will focus on joint research and development on sustainable agriculture and bio-technology sectors.
“It took almost a year to reach this understanding,” he said. “I hope this will enhance the collaborative research and development between IBSD and IAUPR and it would also involve exchange of researchers, from scientists to students.”
The IBSD has been seeing a lot of change in its functioning after Prof Sahoo, a botanist from University of Delhi and former chairman of the governing body of Kalindi College Delhi, took charge as director of the Institute in 2014.
