Chandigarh, Feb 26 – Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday commended the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, for its efforts in advancing the bio-economy of the Himalayan region through scientific interventions and fostering young talent.
Speaking virtually from CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh, at the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) international workshop and an Industry-Farmer-Academia meet, Singh, who holds the portfolio of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, highlighted the institute’s significant contributions.
The minister acknowledged CSIR-IHBT’s support for startups and incubators and the success of initiatives such as the Floriculture and Aroma Mission and the Poshan Maitree Abhiyan. He emphasized the government's commitment to empowering citizens through various missions and urged collective efforts toward building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Singh stressed the importance of ensuring that scientific advancements reach society at large, advocating for the effective use of social media to bridge the gap between research and the public.
Originally scheduled to attend the event in person in Palampur, the minister joined virtually due to logistical constraints, as per an official statement from the institute.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, detailed the institute’s achievements and role in promoting self-reliance and inclusive growth.
In a series of virtual inaugurations, Singh opened the Tulip Garden to the public and launched key facilities at CSIR-IHBT, including the Autonomous Green House, Heeng Seed Production Facility, Heeng QPM Facility, Ornamental Bulb Production Facility, and the Phyto-analytical Facility.
Additionally, he inaugurated an exhibition featuring products and technologies developed by CSIR-IHBT, with participation from startups, incubators, and farmer societies.
Later, Singh toured the facilities at CSIR-IMTECH in Chandigarh. Sharing his insights on X, he highlighted the institute’s vast bio-resource capabilities, including a repository of over 14,000 microbial strains and the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank, which serve as valuable resources for researchers and industry players.
With a growing focus on bio-economy and bio-foundries, Singh underscored the potential of such institutions in shaping India’s future in biotechnology, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s futuristic BioE3 policy.