NE among top mega-biodiversity hotspots in the world

Shillong, July 29: Union minister Harsh Vardhan said the North Eastern region of India is a genetic treasure house of plants, animals and microbial resources and is amongst the top mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world.

The North Eastern region is a genetic treasure house of plants, animals and microbial resources and is amongst the top mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world, Harsh Vardhan, the minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Forests, Environment and Climate Change said, while inaugurating the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) here.

He said Manipur alone has over 500 species of orchids, the Sangai and the black rice variety that are unique.

The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development was set up to identify the rich biodiversity and unique bio-resources that can boost the bio-economy and generate jobs for the unemployed youth through bio-entrepreneurship, he said.

He also highlighted the achievements, activities and initiatives of various developmental projects undertaken by the Centre in the region to ensure all round development of the northeastern states at par with the rest of the country.

Meghalaya Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling said the state is rich in bioresources and has a vast potential to contribute to the nation.

IBSD director Dinabandhu Sahoo said the mandate of the institute is the conservation and sustainable utilization of bioresources for the socio-economic development of the region.