CSIR-IHBT Celebrates its 83rd Foundation Day with Focus on Agricultural Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) marked its 83rd Foundation Day with great enthusiasm on 17th October 2024 at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur. Established in 1942, CSIR is India’s largest research organization, known globally for its advancements in various fields of science and technology. The council operates through 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, an innovation complex, and three additional units, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress.
The Chief Guest of the event, Padma Bhushan Prof. R.S. Paroda, Chairman of TAAS and former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, applauded CSIR and the institute for their vital role in enhancing the rural economy through impactful research. He delivered an insightful address on “Management of Agricultural Biodiversity of Northern Himalayas,” emphasizing the importance of science in achieving self-reliance in the agricultural sector. Prof. Paroda highlighted how different plants have unique properties that can be harnessed to produce medicines and various other products, stressing the need for sustainable biodiversity conservation.
Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Dr. Anil Joshi, Founder of the Himalayan Environment and Conservation Organization (HESCO), Dehradun, was the special guest at the event. He underlined the urgent need for environmental conservation, warning that the future would be difficult for the next generation unless we take immediate action to preserve water, land, air, and forests. Dr. Joshi placed special focus on the ecology and the unique geographical and social characteristics of the Himalayan region.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the institute’s scientific achievements. He spoke about the institute’s contribution to the bio-economy and biotechnology, emphasizing the development of agricultural technologies for floral and aromatic crops, which have helped farmers and entrepreneurs achieve self-reliance. Dr. Yadav also shared that under the Janani Suraksha Program, the institute has been providing nutrient-rich products to the state government, reaffirming their commitment to national and global expectations.
During the ceremony, employees who completed 25 years of service and those who retired this year were honored. Additionally, institute personnel and their children were recognized for excellence in academics and sports. The institute also awarded two technologies developed by CSIR-IHBT. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with entrepreneurs and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University for further academic and research collaborations.
The event also included a workshop on “Scaling Up Horticulture Production Under Climate Change Scenario in the Himalayas,” which aimed at exploring sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
