National Science Day Celebrations
सी.एस.आई.आर.-हिमालय जैवसंपदा प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान, पालमपुर में 28 फरवरी को राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस मनाया गया। डा. चन्द्रशेखर वैंकटरमन द्वारा 28 फरवरी 1928 को ‘रमन प्रभाव’ की खोज के लिए उन्हें 1930 में भौतिकी में नोबल पुरस्कार प्रदान किया गया था। इस उपलक्ष में यह दिन पूरे देश में राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस के रुप में मनाया जाता है। इस वर्ष का थीम “विकसित भारत के लिए स्वदेशी तकनीक” है।
इस अवसर पर मुख्य अतिथि प्रो. एस. के. शर्मा, मानद प्रोफेसर एवं पूर्व कुलपति, सीएसके हिमाचल प्रदेश कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, पालमपुर ने राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस की शुभकामनाएं देते हुए संस्थान की शोध गतिविधियों, उद्यमिता विकास और ग्रामीण आर्थिकी के उन्नयन में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका एवं योगदान के लिए संस्थान की सराहना की। अपने संबोधन में उन्होने कहा कि स्वदेशी तकनीक के द्वारा भारत ने विश्व पर अपनी छाप छोड़ी है। कोरोना महामारी की वैक्सीन और चंद्रयान मिशन इसके नवीनतम उदाहरण हैं। उन्होंने संस्थान के वैज्ञानिकों से आवाहन किया कि टीम भावना के माध्यम से जन समुदाय के उत्थान के लिए कार्य करें ताकि 2047 तक भारत एक विकसित देश हो।
प्रो. पूर्नानंद गुप्ताशर्मा, डीन फैक्लटी, राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान शिक्षा एवं अनुसंधान संस्थान, मोहाली ने राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस संभाषण दिया। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने कहा कि हमे पर्यावरण अनुकूल तकनीकों को बढ़ावा देना होगा। प्लास्टिक से हो रहे नुकसान पर उन्होने विशेष बल दिया। अपने संबोधन में उन्होने बहुत ही सरल शब्दों में बताया की कैसे प्लास्टिक का विघटन कर उसे पुनः उपयोगी बनाया जा सकता है। इस हेतु एंजाइम के प्रयोगों पर विशेष बल दिया तथा नवीनतम जानकारी साझा की।
संस्थान के निदेशक डा. सुदेश कुमार यादव ने स्वागत संबोधन में संस्थान की प्रमुख उपलब्धियों एवं गतिविधियों का विवरण प्रस्तुत करते हुए बताया कि संस्थान किस तरह ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में विज्ञान, तकनीक और नवाचार के माध्यम से किसानों की आय बढ़ाने में सक्रिय भूमिका निभा रहा है ताकि देश आत्मनिर्भर हो सके। व्यवसायिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण पौधों की रोपण सामग्री उपलब्ध कराने एवं ग्रामीणों के कौशल विकास में संस्थान निरंतर लगा है। प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रमों के माध्यम से किसानों, बेरोजगार युवाओं, उद्यमियों में क्षमता निर्माण संस्थान का एक महत्वपूर्ण पक्ष रहा है।
इस अवसर पर एयरोडाइन इंडिया वेंचर प्रा. लि., नई दिल्ली के साथ ड्रोन तकनीक पर समझौता ज्ञापन एवं यूनिसेड रिसर्च कंनस्लटेंट प्रा. लि., कानपुर के साथ एनआरडीसी, नई दिल्ली के माध्यम से खाद्य प्रौद्योगिकी हस्तांतरण पर हस्ताक्षर किए गए।
राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस को जन दिवस के रूप में मनाया गया। इस अवसर पर जवाहर नवोदय विद्यालय, मण्डी के 40 छात्रों तथा 4 शिक्षकों ने जिज्ञासा कार्यक्रम के अंतर्गत संस्थान की शोध गतिविधियों को जाना। के. विक्रम बतरा राजकीय महाविद्यालय, पालमपुर के 95 छात्रों तथा शिक्षकों ने भी संस्थान का दौरा किया।
संस्थान के स्टाफ एवं शोध छात्रों, क्षेत्र के गणमान्य व्यक्तियों एवं मीडिया प्रतिनिधियों ने अपनी प्रतिभागिता से समारोह की शोभा बढ़ाई।
Tulip garden
Developed under the CSIR-Floriculture Mission, the mesmerizing Tulip garden at CSIR-IHBT has been opened for public on 02-02-2024 by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur.
Tulip is a tuberous cut flower that has huge International and domestic demand. It ranks third in the world's top cut flower trade. Under the mission, the institute has been planting these beautiful flowers in its premises for the last two years. This year 50,000 tulip bulbs of 6 varieties of various vibrant colors have been planted in the garden. The garden, after its opening, is expected to attract a large number of visitors from within and outside the state thereby promoting scientific tourism. Last year, over 70,000 visitors from across the country visited this exquisite tulip garden. This time, far more number of visitors are anticipated. On the opening day itself, under the Jigyasa programme more than 200 students and 12 teachers from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhanala (HP) visited the garden. It is pertinent to mention that this garden is the first tulip garden of the state.
CSIR-IHBT started experimental trials on flower and bulb production of tulip in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh for its commercial cultivation. To begin with, several farmers from cooperative societies such as Yaani Mahadev Floriculture Society, Madagran; Pattan Valley Floriculture Society Limited, Shansha; and Tinan White Mountain Floriculture Society Limited, Jangla, were trained and empowered to cultivate tulips. They are now engaged in tulip cultivation for bulb and flower production, and are reaping benefits.
Stakeholders Meet on Food Processing and Value Addition and Inauguration of Food Processing Facility
CSIR-IHBT organized a Stakeholders meet on Food Processing and Value addition on Friday, 29th of December, 2023 at the institute. The event is a multi-stakeholder collaboration for transformation of food processing industry of the Western Himalayas region. Experts from academia, industry and regulatory bodies such as FSSAI were invited to deliberate upon the important requirements for improving the standards and sustainability of the food processing industry. An expert panel discussion was held during the stakeholders meeting to highlight and discuss the challenges faced by startups and budding entrepreneurs in food processing sector. Sh. Saurabh Jassal, I.A.S., Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Distt. Kangra was special invitee for the panel discussion and the event was presided by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT. Startups incubated at CSIR-IHBT displayed their products and technologies during the stakeholders meeting. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav highlighted the food processing sector related activities executed at the institute so far and informed that several new mission mode and technology projects are being taken up towards augmenting the food processing sector. Dr. Rashmi Sharma (SHRI, DST) and Dr. Sweety Behera (FSSAI) also highlighted the importance of food processing, standardization, food safety, value addition, and setting up technology business incubator centre on the campus.
As part of the program, a new Food Processing Facility was inaugurated at the institute by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. The state-of-the-art facility contains equipment and machinery for (i) dehydration of bioresources such as fruits, vegetables, mushroom, medicinal plants (ii) production of fortified snacks and ready to cook foods such as pasta, noodles and energy bars, and (iii) production of multigrain based instant foods and premixes with an output of 200 kg per day. In his address, Prof. Karandikar appreciated the various R&D programs and technology commercialization activities being taken up by CSIR-IHBT. He emphasized the need for scientific and technological interventions in improving the quality standards and sustainability of food processing sector.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav dedicated the facility to various stakeholders such as local farmer produce organizations (FPOs) and self-help groups (SHGs), startups and microenterprises and informed that the facility would enhance the processing capabilities of small industries and augment the local food industry ecosystem.
On the occasion a book on “Ethnic Cuisines of Himachal Pradesh” was also released.
Further the institute honoured the millet man of Himachal Pradesh Padmashri Nek Ram Sharma for his outstanding contributions in promoting “Nau-Anaj” system of cultivation and revival of traditional millet varieties.
82nd CSIR Foundation Day Celebrations
सीएसआईआर-हिमालय जैवसंपदा प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान, पालमपुर में वैज्ञानिक तथा औद्योगिक अनुसंधान परिषद् (सी.एस.आई.आर.) का 82वां स्थापना दिवस समारोह दिनांक 6 नवम्बर 2023 को बडे़ हर्षोल्लास से मनाया गया। सन् 1942 में भारत की सबसे बड़ी परिषद, सीएसआईआर, की स्थापना हुई थी और इसे विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में अत्याधुनिक ज्ञान-विज्ञान के लिए विश्व भर में जाना जाता है। संपूर्ण भारत में अपनी 37 राष्ट्रीय प्रयोगशालाओं, 39 आउटरीच केंन्द्रो, एक नवाचार परिसर, एवं तीन यूनिट्स के माध्यम से सीएसआईआर राष्ट्र की सेवा में अपना योगदान दे रहा है।
समारोह के मुख्य अतिथि प्रो. पी. एल. गौतम, चांसलर, डा. राजेन्द्र प्रसाद केंद्रीय कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, समस्तीपुर, बिहार ने सीएसआईआर को शुभकामनाएं देते हुए संस्थान की शोध गतिविधियों एवं ग्रामीण आर्थिकी के उन्नयन में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका एवं योगदान के लिए संस्थान की सराहना की। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने कहा कि विज्ञान ने हमें आत्मनिर्भर बनाया है तथा इसका उपयोग मानव जाति के उत्थान के लिए होना चाहिए। विज्ञान का उदेश्य समस्याओं का हल करना है। उन्होंने संस्थान के वैज्ञानिकों से आहवान किया कि टीम भावना के माध्यम से जन समुदाय के उत्थान के लिए कार्य करें।
डॉ. अजीत कुमार शासनी, निदेशक, सीएसआईआर-राष्ट्रीय वनस्पति अनुसंधान संस्थान (एनबीआरआई) लखनऊ ने सीएसआईआर स्थापना दिवस संभाषण में विज्ञान के क्षेत्र में नित नए शोध के बारे में बताया। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने कहा पादप संपदा में विविधता है। प्रत्येक पौधे में विविध गुण होते हैं जिनका उपयोग कई प्रकार की औषधियों तथा उत्पाद बनाने के लिए किया जाता है। इनका हमारे दैनिक जीवन में अत्याधिक महत्व है।
इससे पहले संस्थान के निदेशक डा. सुदेश कुमार यादव ने संस्थान तथा सीएसआईआर की प्रमुख वैज्ञानिक उपलब्धियों पर प्रकाश डाला। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने बताया कि संस्थान के वैज्ञानिकों ने पुष्प एवं सगंध फसलों की कृषि तकनीक विकसित करके किसानों एवं उद्यमियों की आत्मनिर्भता की ओर कदम बढ़ाए हैं। सीएसआईआर-फ्लोरिकल्चर मिशन के अंतर्गत, पुष्प फसलों के क्षेत्र में 715 हेक्टेयर तक का विस्तार किया गया। अरोमा मिशन के अंतर्गत सगंध फसलें विशेषकर जंगली गेंदे को उगाने एवं प्रसंस्करण के लिए अलग-अलग राज्यों में आसवन इकाइयाँ स्थापित की गईं। उन्होंने आगे बताया कि विज्ञान एवं प्रौद्योगिकी से देश को बहुत अधिक उम्मीद है। अतः हमारा दायित्व है कि राष्ट्र एवं विश्व की अपेक्षाओं को पूरा करने की दिशा में प्रयासरत रहें। उन्होने जैवआर्थिकी को बढावा देने में संस्थान का सामर्थ तथा नए अवसरों के बारे में विस्तार से बताया।
इस अवसर पर सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी में आयोजित विभिन्न प्रतियोगिताओं के लिए पुरस्कार वितरित किए गए तथा संस्थान से सेवानिवृत्त कर्मचारियों का अभिनंदन भी किया गया। साथ ही साथ संस्थान द्वारा विकसित प्रौद्योगिकियों को उद्यमियों को हस्तांतरित करने तथा शैक्षणिक तथा शोध कार्यो के लिए चितकारा विश्वविद्यालय तथा आईजीएफआरआई, झांसी के साथ समझौता ज्ञापनों पर हस्ताक्षर भी किए गए। तीन किसान समूहों को सगंध एवं पुष्प पादपों के कंद भी बाँटे गए।
इस दिवस को जन दिवस के रूप में मनाया गया जहां किसानो, उद्यमियों एवं केंद्रीय विद्यालय, नलेटी, देहरा के 146 छात्रों एवं उनके अध्यापकों ने संस्थान की वैज्ञानिक उपलब्धियों का प्रक्षेत्र एवं प्रयोगशालाओं में अवलोकन किया।
Celebration of World Food Day
सीएसआईआर-हिमालय जैवसंपदा प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान (सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी) ,पालमपुर में 16 अक्टूबर 2023 को विश्व खाद्य दिवस समारोह का आयोजन किया गया।
इस अवसर पर समारोह के मुख्य अतिथि डॉ. विजय चौधरी, प्राचार्य एवं डीन, राजीव गांधी राजकीय स्नातकोत्तर आयुर्वेदिक महाविद्यालय, पपरोला ने "स्वास्थ्य और खुशहाली में भोजन का महत्व" विषय पर अपना व्याख्यान दिया। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने कहा कि आहार और विहार हमारे स्वास्थ्य पर विशेष प्रभाव डालते हैं, जीवनशैली में बदलाव हमारे खान पान पर भी देखा जा सकता है और इसका प्रभाव हमारे स्वास्थ्य पर पड़ रहा है। मिलेट्स और उसके गुणों पर भी डॉ. विजय चौधरी ने प्रकाश डाला।
समारोह के विशिष्ट अतिथि डॉ. निपुण जिंदल, आईएएस, उपायुक्त, कांगड़ा ने विश्व खाद्य दिवस पर अपने संबोधन में कहा कि खाद्य उपलब्धता एवं पोषण सतत विकास लक्ष्य (एसडीजी) का अभिन्न अंग है। उन्होने मिड डे मील योजना और कुछ राज्यों में शुरू की गयी नाश्ता योजना का भी जिक्र किया। शोध और पॉलिसी के बीच एक समन्वय स्थापित करने की जरूरत पर बल देते हुए उपायुक्त ने पोषण मैत्री अभियान में संस्थान से प्राप्त सहयोग की सराहना की और भविष्य में इसे बढ़ाने का भी आवाहन किया। इस मौके पर उन्होने डॉ. एम एस स्वामीनाथन, भारत में हरित क्रांति के जनक, का उल्लेख करते हुए उनके कार्यो को भी साझा किया। अंत में “कोई भूखा न सोये” कहते हुए अपने संभाषण को सम्पन्न किया।
इससे पहले संस्थान के निदेशक डा. सुदेश कुमार यादव ने अतिथियों का स्वागत करते हुए डॉ. एम एस स्वामीनाथन की जीवनी पर प्रकाश डाला और उनके योगदान की चर्चा की। उन्होने बताया कि संस्थान खाद्य एवं पोषण विशेष तौर पर पारंपरिक भोजन एवं खाने योग्य पुष्पों पर शोध कर रहा है। निदेशक महोदय ने कहा कि खाद्य पदार्थों जैसे कांगड़ी धाम, आयुर्वेदिक खिचड़ी और शीरा जैसे उत्पादों की प्रक्रिया को मानकीकृत किया गया है। रेडी टू ईट बार को स्पिरूलिना का उपयोग करके आयरन और जिंक समृद्ध करने के लिऐ मूंगफली, तिल और अनाज मिलाकर विकसित किया गया है। इसी प्रकार रेडी टू ईट फ्रूट बार और कैंडी सूक्ष्म पोषक तत्वों की कमी को दूर करते हैं। इसी श्रंखला में प्रोटीन और फाइबर समृद्ध बार बनाई गई हैं।उन्होने यह भी बताया कि मल्टीग्रेन हाई प्रोटीन मिक्स उत्पाद को प्रोटीन और एनर्जी कुपोषण को दूर करने के लिए विकसित किया गया है।
हिमालय के शीत मरुस्थल में उगने वाले बक्कवीट, जो ग्लुटिन मुक्त खाद्य पदार्थ है, से संस्थान ने पफ नूडल्स, पास्ता और रेडी टू ईट मूल्य वर्धित उत्पाद विकसित किए हैं। ऐसे उत्पाद सीलिएक रोग से पीड़ित लोगों के लिए वरदान हैं।
इस अवसर पर तीन प्रौद्योगिकी हस्तांतरण, तीन समझौता ज्ञापन और एक गैर प्रकटीकरण करार पर भी हस्ताक्षर किए गए। उपरोक्त में प्रमुख थे डेक्कन हेल्थकेर लिमिटेड, हैदराबाद; तिरुपति मेडिकेयर लिमिटेड, सिरमौर; हर्बालाइफ लिमिटेड, बैंग्लोर और जिला ग्रामीण विकास एजेंसी (डीआरडीए), कांगड़ा (हि प्र)।
एसडीएम पालमपुर, वरिष्ठ राज्य प्रशासनिक अधिकारी, संस्थान के कर्मचारियों, छात्रों के साथ-साथ पालमपुर कृषि विश्वविद्यालय के आहार विज्ञान एवं पोषण विभाग के संकाय सदस्य तथा छात्र भी इस प्रोग्राम में शामिल हुए।
PUSHP KRISHI MELA
CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur organised “PUSHP KRISHI MELA” under “CSIR-Floriculture Mission II” on 10th August 2023 at DIHAR, DRDO, Leh. The chief guest of the program was Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd) along with Guests of Honour, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Leh, Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Shri Ravinder Kumar, IAS Secretary Agriculture/ Horticulture UT Ladakh and Dr. O.P Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR, DRDO.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor, in his address, appreciated the achievements of the mission in Ladakh valley. He also mentioned that flower production has a huge potential in the area and gave a slogan “Phool ugaao phoolo ka vistaar karo”. In addition, he stated: Women, Ladakh and Flowers are the best creations of the God. Furthermore, he added enhancing flower production through off season cultivation, cold storage and better transportation. He suggested Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh to encourage People’s participation in floricultural activities throughout the region. On this event, Hon’ble Lt. Governor released a brochure on ‘CSIR-Floriculture Mission in Ladakh’ and distributed planting materials of Lilium, Gladious and Tulip to the farmers. He also presented certificates of appreciation to the farmers of the Leh-based women's self-help groups and the Ragyul organic producers company.
In the presence of Hon’ble Lt. Governor, CSIR-IHBT signed material transfer agreements (MTA) with Ladakh progressive society, Leh and Mendok Cooperative society, Kargil. Advocate Tashi Gyalson, CEC, LAHDC, Leh, urged the farmers for self-sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship development in the region.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director CSIR-IHBT, Palampur highlighted the achievements of CSIR-Floriculture Mission in Ladakh. He said that the mission has increased the area under floricultural crops like Lilium, Gladilous and Tulip to over 10 acres which has improved the socio-economic condition of 80 farmers in Leh and Kargil. Dr. Yadav elucidated about the institute’s potential and new opportunities in promoting floriculture in the UT. He also emphasized that Ladakh can be developed as a bulb production centre of the country to minimize import.
More than 100 exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and farmers actively engaged in floriculture related activities participated in the mela. Mr Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to Lt. Governor Ladakh, Dr. Mahender Danokar, Chief Scientist TMD, CSIR Headquarters, Dr S.K Mehta, VC University of Ladakh, Mr Moses Kunzang, Director, Department of Cooperatives, Shri Stenzing Chosphel, Executive councillor agriculture, Shri Thinless Dawa, SDAO department of agriculture and other dignitaries also participated in the program. Representatives from the press and media, as well as staff from the DRDO and CSIR-IHBT, attended the event.
CSIR-IHBT celebrated its 41st Foundation Day
CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur celebrated its 41st Foundation Day on 2 July 2023. The chief guest of the function was Dr. Parvinder Kaushal, Vice Chancellor, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. In his address, he appreciated the achievements of the institute while giving best wishes on the foundation day. He further said that the university and the CSIR-IHBT will work together on floriculture, aromatic crops, crops of medicinal and industrial importance. An agreement was also signed in this regard today.
Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-National Interdisciplinary Institute of Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala was the key note speaker. He delivered a lecture on the subject "Science, Technology, and Innovation Development for a Sustainable Future". He urged the audience to focus on judicious use of energy, food, and water. He also highlighted the importance of green hydrogen production, 2G ethanol, future of food & nutrition, and customer satisfaction.
Earlier, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT highlighted the achievements of the institute for the year 2022-23. He said that under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, the area under cultivation of aromatic crops has been increased to 3000 hectares and 17 additional distillation units (total 61 units) have been set up in the farmers' fields, through which farmers' groups have been empowered in the production of aromatic oil. In CSIR-Floriculture Mission, the area under floriculture was expanded to 250 hectares benefitting 649 farmers. In his address, he further emphasized that the country has a lot of hope from science and technology. Therefore, it is our responsibility to keep striving towards fulfilling the expectations of the nation and the world. He explained in detail about the institute's potential and new opportunities in promoting bioeconomy.
On this occasion Dr. Parvinder Kaushal also released the Annual Report 2022-23 of the CSIR-IHBT. The institute also signed MoUs with Municipal Corporation, Palampur, Deccan Healthcare, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
Additionally, 50 students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Paprola, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Alhalal and Senior Secondary School, Baijnath also participated and visited the laboratories under the program of Jigyaasa and Vigyaan Jyoti.
Dr. S.K. Sharma, former Vice-Chancellor of CSK Agricultural University Palampur, Mr. Ashish Sharma Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Mrs. Poonam Bali Mayor and other dignitaries of Palampur also participated in the programme. Staff, students, and former employees of the CSIR-IHBT along with entrepreneurs and representatives of the press and media attended the function.
Director General, CSIR and Secretary DSIR addressed CSIR-IHBT family
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, honorable Director General, CSIR and Secretary DSIR addressed the scientists, staff, and researchers of CSIR-IHBT at its campus on 30 October 2022. It is noteworthy that DG CSIR was on a visit to the two-day CSIR Directors’ Conference 2022: CSIR for Society and Industry at CSIR-IHBT Palmapur. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director CSIR-IHBT, warmly welcomed Dr. N. Kalaiselvi and introduced the institute.
In her address, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi appreciated all the Scientists, research scholars and staff members of the institute for their dedication and energy towards research and development work. She also mentioned that IHBT has done commendable work in the field of startup, entrepreneurship and livelihood. CSIR-IHBT is one of the best institutes “where everything is in its place and there is a place for everything”. She further said that there is immense potential in the field of science, and we can strengthen the country's economy through value addition and bring India to the ranks of leading countries at the global level. Encouraging the researchers of the institute, she further said; the 21st century belongs to India and through efficient leadership, sincere efforts, ideas and positive energy we can make our country no. 1 in the world.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar assured that team CSIR-IHBT is committed to serve the society through relevant science and technology.
CSIR-IHBT celebrated its 40th Foundation Day
CSIR-Himalayan Institute of Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 40th Foundation Day on 02 July 2022. In the beginning, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director of the Institute, welcomed the Chief Guest Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardee Dr. T. Ramasami, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Distinguished Professor of Eminence, Technology Enabling Centre, Anna University, Chennai and gave a brief introduction about him to the audience.
On this occasion, Dr. T. Ramasami delivered a foundation day speech on “Towards Sustainable Bioeconomy Path of Himalayan Biosphere: IHBT as the Path Finder”. While greeting the staff of the Institute on the 40th foundation day, he said that CSIR-IHBT is located in a fragile ecosystem and is mandated to emerge as a global leader on technologies for boosting bioeconomy through sustainable utilization of Himalayan bioresources". Apart from highlighting the contribution made by CSIR-IHBT in the service of the society over the last 40 years, Dr. Ramasami also suggested to focus upon developing technological solutions for sustainable bioeconomy. He is of the opinion that CSIR-IHBT has to play a crucial role of serving the nation as a path finder towards sustainable economy using resources available in Himalayan biosphere. He emphasized on three pillars for sustainable development i.e. Bearable, Equitable and Viable. He stressed upon innovation in the field of science, and value addition of bio-based products for the economical upliftment and called upon the institute to accept the challenges of the fragile Indian Himalayan ecosystem. Dr. Ramasami also visited the research facilities, processing units and fields of the institute. During his visit, various farmers and industry centric technologies developed for the overall social benefit at CSIR-IHBT were also displayed.
Earlier, the director of the Institute, Dr. Sanjay Kumar presented the annual report of the Institute for the year 2021-22. He said that under Aroma Mission Phase-II, the Institute covered an area of 1398 hectares under aromatic crops and expanded its cultivation in twelve states and two union territories. During the year, Himachal Pradesh has maintained its position as the top producer of marigold oil in the country with a production of 7.3 tonnes of oil with institutional efforts. Under the Floriculture Mission, the area was expanded to 350 hectares, benefiting 1004 farmers. Tulip garden established in the Institute has been a major attraction this year. The area under stevia cultivation also extended to 448 hectares in India with concerted efforts of IHBT. For the cultivation of asafoetida in the country, 33000 saplings were supplied and brought 4 hectares under cultivation at 214 places. Apart from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, 519 farmers and 53 agriculture officers of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were trained. With agriculture department, 6859 kg saffron tubers were supplied to the farmers in the state so that saffron production could be promoted. The area under low-chilling varieties of apples have been extended to about 117.5 acres in the North Eastern States. These efforts were also mentioned in the 'Mann Ki Baat' program on 25 July 2021 by Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. In a new initiative, IHBT introduced organized cultivation of cinnamon in Himachal. Moreover, CSIR-TKDL Point of Presence has been established in the Institute with a focus to document and digitize Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan system of medicine). He informed that the farm gene bank at Centre of High Altitude Biology was also enriched with 40 threatened Himalayan plant species.
On this occasion, Dr. T. Ramasami released the Annual Report 2021-22 of the Institute and 'History of IHBT'. Along with cultivation manual on Tulsi, compendiums on significant research accomplishments in the fields of agriculture, biotechnology, natural plant products, dietetics & nutrition and environmental technology were also released. Besides 03 industrial units, MoUs with Haryana Central University, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim were also signed during the event.
Besides former Vice Chancellor of the Agricultural University, Dr. SK Sharma, Director of Chinmaya Tapovan Trust Dr. Kshama Maitre, scientists from IVRI, IGFRI, Palampur Science Centre, Agricultural University were also attended the program. A number of students and teachers from Kendriya Vidyalaya Palampur and Neugal Public Senior Secondary School, Bindraban (Palampur) participated under the Jigyasa program and visited laboratories. Local academic staff, ex-employees, local entrepreneurs and producers and media representatives also graced the foundation day event.
World Environment Day Celebrations at CSIR-IHBT
CSIR-Himalayan Institute of Bioresource Technology celebrated World Environment Day on 6 June 2022. World Environment Day is celebrated all over the world to protect the environment. It is celebrated every year on 5th June, since 1974.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT in his welcome address said that the Institute is constantly striving towards the goal of discovering, innovating, developing and disseminating processes, products and technologies from the Himalayan Bio-resources for social, environmental, industrial and academic benefits. The Institute has taken unique/innovative initiatives to encourage specific high value crops to develop livelihoods and products, while harnessing the benefit the of Himalayan environment. CSIR-IHBT is contributing to the environmental protection of the Himalayan region through its research and development activities. The institute has developed agrotechnologies for Rare and Threatened plant species such as Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, Picrorhiza kuroa, Fritillaria royalii and Trillium govanium to increase their productivity and profitability per unit land area. Efforts are also made to change their Rare and Threatened status through augmentation of natural habitat. High-valued plants of Picrorhiza kuroa and Fritillaria royali were multiplied through the tissue culture technique and the institute has also planted them in their natural habitat.
Dr. SS Samant, Director, Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla delivered a lecture on "Biodiversity Conservation and Management in context to Indian Himalayan Region". In his address, Dr. Samant gave information about the activities of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and its institutions. He further added that the Indian Himalayan region is rich in biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the Himalayas are very special and the effect of climate change is now visible in this region as well, which has led to changes in botanical and cropping patterns. Himalayan biodiversity is very important from an economic point of view, therefore, sincere efforts are required for its conservation. He laid special emphasis on the classification of plants by location-specific threats and reliance on data received from field surveys for their conservation and management. In his presentation, he provided detailed information on the region-wise features, diversity, conservation, and socio-economic aspects of the Himalayas.
In this function, the staff and students of the institute enthusiastically participated. The program was coordinated by Dr R.K. Sud, Chief Scientist concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Amit Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-IHBT.
It is pertinent to mention that the World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5 all across the globe as an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to spread the importance of conserving planet Earth and to pledge to give back to the mother nature in all the possible ways to preserve, conserve and flourish all biological lives on the globe. The occasion calls for transformative changes to policies to enable cleaner, greener, and sustainable living in harmony with nature. It is in the year 1972, that for the first time in the world, a conference on the environment was held in Stockholm, which is known as United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference). This initiative led to the creation of United Nations Environment Programme and World Environment Day celebration.
The theme World Environment Day 2022 is “Only One Earth” which fundamentally focuses on our role as the citizens of the Earth, to protect the environment and to encourage sustainable living each time each day.