Centre to implement bio-tech programme in NE

Aizawl, Feb 21 (UNI) With an aim to benefit the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes (SC/ST) and the rural population, the Ministry of Science and Technology has introduced a new bio-tech based programme in the NE states.

According to official sources projects includes study of medicinal and aromatic plants, animal bio-technology, environmental bio- technology, bio informatice programme, bio prospection and molecular taxonomy, bio pesticides and medical bio technology.

Under the project the Centre would spend on the studies of the potential of quails farming in Mizoram at a cost of Rs 19.47 lakh, production of lemon grass oil at Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh at a cost of Rs 13 lakh, piggery development programme in Nagaland at Rs 3.1 lakh, setting up of pig breeding facility unity among 50 tribal famlies in Tripura at Rs 19.63 lakh, development of appropriate technology of mushroom cultivation for improvement of ST women in Manipur at the cost Rs 7.94 lakh, steps for conservation of rare fishes of Tripura at a cost of Rs 15 lakh and empowerment of SC/ST and weaker section through cultivation of non traditional remunerative plantation crops at the cost of 23.61 lakh.

Besides this, the Science and Technology Ministry would also spend for bio-technology based programme for women in NE, which includes mass micropropagation of orchids for women folk in Meghalaya at the cost of Rs 8.68 lakh, augmenting food and economic security of tribal communities particularly women in Arunchal Pradesh through simple, low-cost technological interventions at the cost of Rs 4.75 lakh and culture of corps and air-breathing fishes in hilly region and transfer of technology to rural population of Meghalaya at a cost of Rs 9.31 lakh, the officials added.

UNI