TEOK, March 23: The Banya Resom Krishi Mela of the Central Muga, Eri Research & Training Institute (CMERTI), Lahdoigarh, Jorhat, was held at the CMERTI premises here with a day-long programme recently. The open session of the mela was presided over by CMERTI director Dr Rajen Chakraworty.

Pranab Gogoi, Minister of Sericulture, Handloom, Textiles and Law, who participated in the meeting as the chief guest spoke about the importance of muga and eri cultivation in Asom, which, according to the minister, can give international status to Asomiya society. He also laid stress on the uses and research on Mejankari and Gomseng trees, particularly in Geleki area of Sivasagar district. He also spoke about Kingkhap thread, produced from Mejankari tree, which was used during the Ahom reign in Asom.

Dr Kulendu Pathak, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University, also participated as an invited guest. Dr Pathak said that scientists should keep an eye on field experiences of field workers during the time of their research. He opined that cooperation between the two can help them find out the real picture of muga and eri cultivation.

Other invited guests at the meeting were Dr PG Rao, Director, NEIST, Jorhat, Dr JS Yadav, director of IICT, Hyderabad, Membor Gogoi, MLA, Teok LAC and Aruna Rajawaria, ADC, Jorhat. Six journals written on muga and eri cultivation were released during the meeting. Some of the books are Catalogue on eri silkworm germplasm, The scientific cultivation system of muga production, The disease and remedy of muga palu etc.

Earlier, more than 35 people were felicitated for their contribution to this field. Scientist P Handique delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the meeting.

The Sentinel, 24th - Mar' -2008