“We are happy to contribute to this great cause… we will certainly work on solutions to the health problems our society is battling. …We want industry and universities to work together so that students may be well prepared for the industry even as they pursue their studies.”- Chancellor, LPU
His Excellency Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa inaugurated the international symposium on herbal sweetener ‘Stevia’ at Lovely Professional University today. LPU School of Biotechnology & Bio-Sciences organized the symposium in collaboration with Green Valley Stevia (GVS) Bio-Tech. It brought hundreds of leading industry researchers, academicians, NGOs, farmers and entrepreneurs to a common platform. Scores of international delegates from different countries including the USA, Canada, Malaysia participated. Important discussions were held on various beneficial topics revolving around ‘Stevia’- its health benefits, its farming, product development, international trade etc.
The discussions revealed that the leaves of Stevia — a herb from the Chyrsanthemum family — are intensely sweet. In sweetness, its yield of one acre is equal to the yield of sugarcanes in 36 acres. In spite of being 300-450 times sweeter than sugar, its extract is considered to have zero percent sugar level. Moreover, it needs less water than sugarcane needs for growth. Stevia helps in controlling blood glucose levels when used as a natural sweetener. Everyone should be well aware of many health benefits of Stevia. In addition to controlling diabetes, this natural herb aids in weight loss, controls high blood pressure, kidney failures, heart attacks, and reduces wrinkles.
Addressing the delegates, students and faculty members, Hon’ble Governor Rajkhowa said that different recommendations made at the symposium should be implemented for the general benefit of all. He also desired that certification procedures for the growth of Stevia, from the internal agencies be liberalized so that it may be promoted among poor farmers.
Welcoming the guests, LPU Chancellor Mr. Ashok Mittal referred to diabetes as the mother of all other fatal diseases. Stressing on the growth of Stevia which is a natural sweetener and a great sugar substitute Mr Mittal said,“We are happy to contribute to this great cause. At LPU, we have a good combination of biotechnologists, pharmacists and agriculturists. Coming together we will certainly work on solutions to the health problems our society is battling. We want industry and universities to work together so that students may be well prepared for the industry even as they pursue their studies.”
