Manipur University Inaugurates Job’s Tears Seed Bank and Field Gene Bank; Training Conducted for Farmers
Imphal, March 24, 2025:
Manipur University (MU), Canchipur, took a major step forward in millet conservation and production with the inauguration of the Job’s Tears Village Seed Bank and Field Gene Bank at Kang-Shang, MU campus, on March 21, 2025. Organized by the Department of Life Sciences (Botany), the event also featured a one-day farmers’ training programme on the cultivation and production of Job’s Tears (Coix Lacryma-jobi L.), a highly nutritious millet locally known as Chaning Athotpa.
The seed bank initiative is funded by the ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, IARI Campus, Pusa, New Delhi, and marks a significant advancement in promoting bio-diversity and millet-based agro-economy in the state.
The event was graced by Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of MU, as the Chief Guest. Praising the research initiatives of the Department of Life Sciences, he emphasized the nutritional value and commercial potential of Job’s Tears. He encouraged extensive cultivation, noting its contribution towards socio-economic development and research innovation in the region.
Prof. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director of Extension Education at Central Agricultural University (CAU), attended as Guest of Honour. He underlined the role of millets in global food security and highlighted India’s position as a leading millet producer. He emphasized the importance of seed gene banks and modern conservation techniques in enhancing millet production.
Dr. Ng. Iboyaima Singh, Dean of College of Food Technology, CAU, elaborated on the health benefits of Job’s Tears, noting its unique size and role in diabetes management. He urged for increased awareness and local promotion of this millet to place Manipur at the forefront of national millet production.
The function was presided over by Prof. Debananda Singh Ningthoujam, Dean, School of Life Sciences, MU. He emphasized farmer incentives and awareness for successful millet conservation, recommending bulletins and publications to spread knowledge.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Thangjam Robert Singh, Convenor of the event, who called Job’s Tears a “superfood” with higher nutritional value than rice. He advocated for its wider cultivation through awareness, research collaborations, and farmer participation.
Dr. Heikham Evelin, also from the Botany Department, proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a display of Job’s Tears varieties and a serving of Chaning Athotpa kheer, a traditional Manipuri delicacy, to all attendees.
The event was attended by university faculty, students, farmers, and health enthusiasts, who appreciated the training and awareness efforts made by MU in promoting local agro-biodiversity and health-conscious farming practices.