CSIR-IHBT, Palampur Marks 42nd Foundation Day
On July 2, 2024, the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) in Palampur celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day. The chief guest, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Honorable Director General of CSIR and Secretary DSIR, Government of India, lauded the institute’s accomplishments and extended heartfelt congratulations. In her speech, she underscored the significant expectations from science and technology in the country and the responsibility to meet national and global demands. She emphasized the vast potential in the Himalayas and urged the institute to continuously progress from biodiversity to bio-economy.
Her Excellency Anisa K. Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania, also graced the event. She praised the institute’s achievements and conveyed her best wishes for the Foundation Day, highlighting biodiversity as the cornerstone of life and the potential for collaboration between the two countries in this field.
Prof. Rekha Singhal, Professor and Head of the Department of Food Engineering and Technology at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, delivered a lecture on “Sustainable Food Production and Processing – The Need of the Hour,” drawing attention to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Earlier, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, highlighted the institute’s achievements and its capacity to promote bio-economy while discussing new opportunities. He noted that under the third phase of the Aroma Mission, CSIR-IHBT has expanded the cultivation of aromatic crops in eleven states and two union territories. Under the CSIR-Floriculture Mission, quality planting materials have been distributed to about one thousand farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
On this occasion, the institute released its Annual Report 2023-24 and CSIR-IHBT Success Stories, along with two brochures on floriculture and hypericum.
During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Empowering Farmers Foundation, Tanzania. Additionally, two technology transfer agreements were signed with Zanani Nutritionals Private Limited, Tamil Nadu, and Mani and Company, Amb. Seeds of aromatic plants were also distributed to farmers.
The event featured the inauguration of newly constructed Type-4 residences, a gymnasium in the hostel complex, an autonomous greenhouse, and the foundation stone laying for the boundary wall of Banuri Farm. Discussions with entrepreneurs, startups, and an exhibition were also organized.
As part of the CSIR Jigyasa program, 50 students and 3 teachers from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Palampur, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, participated. Additionally, 50 students from the Agricultural University and 30 students from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, observed the institute’s research and development activities.
The event was attended by the institute’s employees, students, former employees, entrepreneurs, producers, local dignitaries, and media representatives.
