The District Collector of Koraput Mr Anupam Saha, I.A.S. and Sub Collector Mr. Chakravarty Singh Rathore made a visit to the Biju Patnaik Medicinal Plants Garden and Research Centre, MSSRF’s Regional Centre, Jeypore, Odisha on May 19, 2017. This was the first visit of both dignitaries after assuming office at Koraput. Mr. Susanta Sekhar Choudhury, Director-in-Charge and MSSRF staff received the guests.

The officials were briefed of the research and development activities undertaken by the centre and the infrastructure available on campus was shown. MSSRF’s Exhibition Hall with landraces of rice, millets and pulses was explained. The Collector was struck by the conservation of traditional varieties and inquired about stock in the foundation as well as with farming communities. He was briefed about in-situ and ex-situ conservation of landraces. The value addition of tamarind by Women Self Help Groups impressed the Collector. The Sub Collector shared that value addition of tamarind done by many WSHGs in the district has good export potential. The exhibition also includes the herbaria of medicinal plants and publications.

The Collector also visited the Human Resource Development Centre. He appreciated the infrastructure available and suggested that trainings under ATMA may be conducted at MSSRF’s Regional Centre. He offered his support for all research and development activities.

Prepared by:Mr. Prashant Kumar Parida and Dr. S. Malarvannan (Senior Scientists)