Bhubaneswar: The Manipur government on Wednesday sought the help of Odisha-based Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) in the area of advance research and capacity building.

The Manipur government's education minister Thokchom Radheshyam interacted with the ILS scientists and students. "Manipur requires developing skilled human resources for undertaking socially relevant research for the benefit of the local people," he said.

Radheshyam suggested areas of secondary agriculture, value addition and water management as sectors requiring research collaboration. He also emphasised that research on tribal population and traditional knowledge were of significance both for Odisha and Manipur.

"An ILS-IBSD centre could be established at the ILS, so that structured training and capacity building programmes can be undertaken," he said.

ILS director Ajay Parida briefed the minister on the collaboration between the ILS and the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable development (IBSD).

IBSD director Dinabandu Sahoo spoke on emerging challenges in Manipur.