Chamba’s Farmers Join Hands with Scientists at Palampur Workshop for Sustainable Growth

The scenic town of Palampur turned into a hub of ideas and innovation today as the CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) kicked off a two-day workshop on “Empowering Chamba: Driving Sustainable Growth with Cutting-Edge Technologies.” The event brought together scientists, policymakers, and over 150 farmers from Chamba, all eager to explore how modern science can transform livelihoods in the aspirational district.

A Warm Welcome

In his inaugural address, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, spoke about the power of technology in guiding sustainable development across the Himalayas. He highlighted how initiatives like the CSIR Aroma and Floriculture Missions have already boosted the region’s bio-economy, and stressed that Chamba’s rich bioresources hold immense promise for inclusive growth.

Harnessing Plant Wealth

Chief guest Dr. Parbodh Kumar Trivedi, Director of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, praised the workshop and reminded participants of the Himalayas’ role as a treasure trove of medicinal and aromatic plants. He urged careful use of this wealth to sustain livelihoods while preserving biodiversity. He also noted that the Aroma Mission’s teamwork recently earned the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, with IHBT playing a key role.

Tackling Social Challenges

Guest of honour Mohan Dutt Sharma from the Directorate of Women and Child Development, Shimla, spoke about state initiatives like Jeevan Uphar and Janani Suraksha Yojna. He addressed pressing issues such as malnutrition, migration, and the need for stronger market linkages for local produce, urging farmers to make full use of IHBT’s expertise.

New Partnerships

The workshop also marked important collaborations:

• A technology transfer agreement for monk fruit cultivation.
• Two MoUs for installing distillation units.
• An MoU with Taiwan’s National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine for academic and R&D cooperation.

An exhibition showcasing IHBT’s innovations gave farmers and industry leaders a chance to see practical applications of science in agriculture and bioresource management.

Farmers at the Forefront

The highlight of the day was the active participation of Chamba’s farmers, who engaged directly with scientists and industry experts. Their presence underscored the workshop’s mission: to ensure that cutting-edge technologies don’t just remain in labs, but reach the grassroots to drive real change.