Celebrations of 38th Foundation week of CSIR-IHBT

On the occasion of ongoing CSIR-IHBT Foundation week celebrations, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur addressed the august gathering through videoconferencing on July 3, 2020. He conveyed his best wishes to the institute for its 38^th foundation week celebrations and congratulated for conducted need based focussed research work, incubating entrepreneurship and setting up start-ups.

Chief Minister expressed gratefulness to the institute for setting up COVID-19 testing lab, supporting the Govt. Medical Colleges at Tanda, Chamba and Hamirpur by way of providing the required instruments, consumables and training of their staff for COVID-19 testing, and for production of hand sanitizers, herbal soaps and ready to eat food through the entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister said that research of CSIR-IHBT on introduction of new novel crops for different agro-climate zones such as Heeng and saffron in the state is a welcome step. Similarly, innovative ways to grow and utilize bamboo for development of industrial products like wooden board, textile yarn, etc. is good initiative. “Realising the initiative and strength of CSIR-IHBT in taking leads on Heeng and saffron, the Government has made announcement in the budget speech to grow these high value spices in the state with financial allocation of a sum of Rs. 9.50 crores and I am confident that it will happen in the leadership of this institute, said Shri Jai Ram Thakur.

Expressing the concern of the livelihood of migrant workers in the state from different parts of the country, Shri Thakur said “There is need to generate new ways of employment through rural based technologies, and research institute like CSIR-IHBT play a significant role in production of indigenised products for Atamnirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister”. He wished the farmers and entrepreneurs associated with the institute a very bright future He also assured to provide full support from the state government to the institute in their future endure endures.

Prior to that, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the Chief Minister and other invited guests presented the salient achievements of the institute which included potential bioresources for generating bioeconomy like medicinal plants, aromatic plants, fruit crops, floriculture, microbes etc, collaboration with Ministry of MSME to generate sustainable livelihood for the rural population, nurturing entrepreneurship and start-ups, skill development, large scale cultivation of aromatic crops and making this state as top producer of wild marigold oil, accelerated degradation of bio-waste in cold regions, introduction of new crops like Heeng, saffron, stevia, monk fruit etc, production of crispy fruits, hygienic way of honey production, production of biofertilizers, tea farm mechanization, value added tea products, plant fermentation technology, vertical farming nutraceutical products for boosting bone and cartilage health food products, etc. He informed that among 38 CSIR labs, CSIR-IHBT has been ranked at 9^th position by SCImago Institutional rating. He also informed that NITI Aayog has approved this institute as a member of the "Indian Himalayan Central Universities Consortium".

On this occasion the Chief Minister released the institute’s publication, viz., books on Bamboo and Tea, and a brochure on Heeng, inaugurated the Protein Processing Faciliy and laid foundation stone for Hi-tech nursery for bamboo and Tissue culture unit.

The programme was organised through videoconferencing was attended by Shri Onkar Sharma, Principal Secretary Agriculture, Prof. A.K. Sarial, Vice Chancellor, H.P. Agriculture University, Prof. S.S. Handa, former Director IIIM, Dr V. Prakash, former Director CFTRI, Dr Anil Kush, Chairman of CSIR-IHBT Research Council, Prof. Alok Dhawan, Director IITR, Dr Kshama Maitre Director CORD, besides scientists from CSIR sister labs, R&D institutes, former scientists of the institutes, dignitaries from the regions; scientists, students, staff of the institutes and press and media persons.

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur celebrates its 38th Foundation Day

CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology celebrated its 38th Foundation Day on 2nd July, 2020

Chief Guest of the function, Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India delivered lecture on “Driving Bio-economy Growth: Our Strength and Opportunities”. In her address, she congratulated the institute for performing social-scientific responsibility successfully. She expressed that S&T is effective tools to connect ecosystem, nation and society. “We need to identify the challenges and solutions which we can offer through products, processes and value addition. S&T including must be a major contributor to economy growth of our country and it’s a challenge for all of us to make India Atmanirbhar, which is our PM’s vision”. She also expressed that for realising the vision of Atmanirbhir Bharat, India need to among top 5 countries by 2025. “We should be creative in science rather than follower. Basic science should go forward to transform into future technology. We need to innovate in pharmaceuticals, agri-technologies and bio-energy sectors. Biotechnology and bio-based industries provide the right platform for sustained growth” said Dr Renu Swarup.

She motivated students to provide innovative solutions which has human face and societal applications and conveyed that now a day, India is seen as preferred countries for S&T collaboration across the world. While concluding the presentation she expressed that science, technology and innovations are the three key pillars on which India can build a strong foundation to connect people, society and nation.

Prior to that, Director CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Sanjay Kumar presented the Annual Report 2019-20. He informed that among CSIR labs, SCImago Institutional rating has ranked CSIR-IHBT at 9th position. During the year, 130 research papers were published in peer reviewed journals with highest impact factor was 11.077, 45 patents were filed, 13 technologies transferred to entrepreneurs, incubation of 14 start-ups took place and 100 MoUs/MTAs were signed.

In context to COVID-19 pandemic, the institute realigned for COVID-19 testing, and strengthened its ready-to-eat food technology that served the entrapped migrant labourers and corona warriors with nutritious food. Also, technologies for hand sanitizer and the SDS-SLS free soap were transferred to several entrepreneurs for its large scale production.

He informed that the institute became a member of the "Indian Himalayan Central Universities Consortium" and has also been identified as a “Bioresource Information Centre for floral resources of Western Himalaya” under the Indian Bioresource Information Network initiative of the Department of Biotechnology. He also informed that the institute collaborated with Ministry of MSME to generate sustainable livelihood for the rural population by assisting them with advanced technologies and requisite equipment which will benefit people of Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern states.

He mentioned the activities being undertaken on promotion of cultivation asafoetida (Heeng), saffron bamboo in collaboration with the state government which has sanctioned to the institute Rs. 10.13 crores for this work. He also informed that with institute aggressive extension efforts Himachal Pradesh is now the highest producer of Tagetes (wild marigold) oil in the country with 6.49 tonnes of oil produced by local farmers. Under the social responsibility, ~55 tonnes of ready-to-eat canned foods, and energy & protein bars were supplied for the distribution to the victims of FANI cyclone-hit areas of Odisha. He also mentioned about the 3300 students and teachers from schools, colleges and universities from different states of the country under the JIGYASA programme.

Dr Shekhar C Mande, DG CSIR and Secretary DSIR, in his presidential address highlighted the institute’s role in conservation and sustainable utilization of the bioresources. He congratulated the institute for introducing new crops with high returns for the farmers like Heeng and saffron. He appreciated the achievements of the institute and gave his wishes for future.

On this occasion institute’s publication were also released which include Annual Report 2019-20, second volume of Technology Profile, Trees at CSIR-IHBT, and Medicinal Plants at CSIR-IHBT. Inaugurations of facilities viz., Vertical Aeroponics and Prakriti Kunj were also solemnised.

In this programme, which was organised through videoconferencing was attended by the participants from CSIR sister labs, R&D institutes, former scientists of the institutes, dignitaries from the regions, scientists, students, staff of the institutes and press and media persons. Prof. SS Handa, Prof. SK Sopory, Prof. AK Sarial, HC HP Agriculture University, Prof. Alok Dhawan, Director IITR, Prof. SK Barik, Director NBRI, Dr Kshama Maitre Director CORD were few among the key participants.

"Traditional Medicinal Knowledge in Himachal Pradesh: Research Challenges and Opportunities"

हिमाचल प्रदेश केंद्रीय विश्वविद्यालय द्वारा आयोजित "महर्षि कणाद व्याख्यानमाला" में डॉ संजय कुमार, निदेशक, सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी पालमपुर ने 02 जून, 2020 को "हिमाचल प्रदेश में पारंपरिक औषधीय ज्ञान: शोध चुनौतियाँ एवं अवसर" (Traditional Medicinal Knowledge in Himachal Pradesh: Research Challenges and Opportunities) विषय पर एक व्याख्यान प्रस्तुत किया|

"Let's Talk Science: What, Why, and How?" webinar series of CSIR-JIGYASA program

Talk by Dr. Sanjay Kumar (Director, CSIR-IHBT and CSIR-CSIO) on " Bioprospecting Biodiversity of Himalayas" on 'JIGYASA CSIR' Youtube channel

International Tea Day Celebrations at CSIR-IHBT

CSIR-IHBT celebrated International Tea Day today through videoconferencing (MS Team) which was attended by the tea planters, Tea Board officials, entrepreneurs, technology partners, and scientists & staff of the institutes.Shri D.C. Rana, Member Secretary (EC), HP Council for Science, Technology & Environment, and Director-cum-Special Secretary, HP Secretariat was the chief guest.

Delivering International Tea Day lecture on the topic “Importance of tea & tea products for fighting COVID-19 pandemic”,Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director discussedimportance of tea for the society and industry and highlighted its medicinal properties for human health. He informed that tea contains chemicals that block coronavirus activity better than anti-HIV drugs. “Using computer-based models, the scientists screened 65 bioactive chemicals or polyphenols that could bind to a specific viral protein more efficiently than some of the commercially available anti-HIV drugs approved for treating COVID-19 patients. These chemicalsmight block the activity of the viral protein that helps the virus to thrive inside human cells”, said Dr. Sanjay Kumar.

He informed that tea extract was important constituent in the recently developed hand sanitizer and herbal soaps which are in great demand for preventing spread of COVID-19. In addition, ready to serve teas and tea wines could be game changers for tea industry.

On this occasion, technology of “Tea Vinegar” was transferred to an entrepreneur fromDharmshala, H.P. Tea vinegar has anti-obesity properties. Also,Herbal Green and Black Teas blended with AYUSH recommended herbs were launched. These products have been developed under CM Startup Scheme by an entrepreneur from H.P. and would be very useful for boosting immunity against COVID-19.

On this occasion, President of Kangra Tea Planters’ Association, Chairman Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory and senior tea planters thanked CSIR-IHBT for its continued support and specially promoting tea farm mechanization which is nowpaying dividends to the industry.

In his presidential address, Shri D.C. Rana informed that a project on Kangra tea being envisaged for mitigating climate change impact on productivity and quality as part of national initiative. He congratulated all those who are associated with tea promotion and thanked planters and CSIR-IHBT for their effective roles for the society and the industry.

Akin to International Yoga Day, the International Tea Day is the second initiative of Govt of India to recognized the tea's medicinal properties and cultural importance worldwide. On the recommendations of India, the United Nations (UN) declared May 21 as International Tea Day. According to the UN, this Day will help to boost tea production and consumption, and will also help in fighting hunger and poverty in rural areas.

CSIR-IHBT inked agreement with M/s A B Scientific Solutions for production of hand sanitizers

CSIR-IHBT has developed a hand-sanitizer that contains natural flavours, active tea constituents and alcohol content as per WHO guidelines. The product is free from parabens, triclosan, synthetic fragrance and phthalates.

The technology is transferred to a private unit through an agreement made on 16th March, 2020 between CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Post Bag No. 6, Palampur (H.P.) and M/s A B Scientific Solutions having its registered address at Green Valley Lohna, Palampur (H.P.). As per the agreement, CSIR-IHBT will transfer its expertise for making hand sanitizers and other disinfectants to the M/s A B Scientific Solutions.

M/s A B Scientific Solutions, that has a strong marketing network, will establish this facility at Palampur (H.P.), and will market hand sanitizers and other disinfectants in all major cities across the country. The development of hand sanitizer is very timely considering the current stupendous rise in demand of a genuine product for preventive measure against Corona virus and amidst reports of many spurious materials being sold in the national market. 

सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी, पालमपुर (हिमाचल प्रदेश) ने एक हैंड-सैनिटाइज़र विकसित किया है। संस्थान निदेशक डॉ संजय कुमार ने बताया कि इसमें प्राकृतिक गंध, सक्रिय चाय घटक और अल्कोहल की मात्रा विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन (WHO) के दिशानिर्देशों के अनुसार सम्मिलित है। यह उत्पाद पेराबेंस (parabens), ट्राईक्लोस्म (triclosan), सिंथेटिक खुशबू और थेलेटेस (phthalates) जैसे रसायनों से मुक्त है।

इस तकनीक के हस्तांतरण के लिए 16 मार्च, 2020 को सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी, पालमपुर (हिमाचल प्रदेश) और मै. ए.बी. साइंटिफिक सोल्यूशंस (M/s AB Scientific Solutions) जोकि ग्रीन वैली के नाम से लोहना, पालमपुर (हि.प्र.) के पते पर पंजीकृत है, के बीच तकनीक हस्तांतरण समझोता हुआ। समझौते के अनुसार, सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी मैसर्स ए बी साइंटिफिक सॉल्यूशंस को हैंड सैनिटाइजर और अन्य कीटाणुनाशक बनाने के लिए अपनी विशेषज्ञता हस्तांतरित करेगा।

मेसर्स ए बी साइंटिफिक सॉल्यूशंस, जिसके पास एक मजबूत मार्केटिंग नेटवर्क है, पालमपुर (हि.प्र.) में यह सुविधा स्थापित करेगा, और देश भर के सभी प्रमुख शहरों में सैनिटाइज़र और अन्य कीटाणुनाशकों का विपणन करेगा। कोरोना वायरस के खिलाफ निवारक उपाय और राष्ट्रीय बाजार में बेचे जा रहे कई नकली सामग्रियों की खबरों के बीच वास्तविक उत्पाद की मांग में मौजूदा वृद्धि को देखते हुए हैंड सेनिटाइजर का विकास समय पर किया गया कार्य है।

Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh inaugurates 21 nos. essential oil distillation units

Hon’ble Governor, Himachal Pradesh Shri Bandaru Dattatraya visited the Institute on March 3, 2020. The Director Dr Sanjay Kumar and staff of the Institute warmly welcomed the Governor. On this occasion Director presented the research and development activities.

Hon’ble Governor congratulated Director, staff, researchers and students of the Institute for their achievements in S&T areas and contributing for country’s progress.

IHe applauded CSIR-IHBT’s valuable contributions regarding introduction of Heeng and Monk fruit in HP which need to be further promoted through active collaboration with relevant state agencies, so that the associated benefits are achieved faster and at a larger level. Similarly, success of saffron cultivation in potential new growing areas in HP and cultivation of Heeng, Monk fruit, Quinoa and Chia in the state will become game changer in the national market.

He also took note of introduction of floriculture crops like Lilium in cold desert area of Lahaul Spiti for cultivation, that has resulted in 3-5 times higher returns over the traditional crops, opens up new vista in such remote areas.

On this occasion, five varieties of floriculture crop Chrysanthemum and a variety each of aromatic crops viz., Rosa damascene Tagetes minuta, Valeriana jatamansi, Artemisia maritima and Dracocephalum heterophyllum were released which result in 15-28 % higher biomass production over the existing varieties or local types and better oil quality.

He expressed his happiness of the catalytic role played by the institute in making Himachal Pradesh the number one state in essential oil production of wild marigold, with production of about 6.5 tonnes of essential oil per year, earning a revenue of Rs. 5.19 crores and benefitting 861 farmer families. This has been made possible by providing technical knowhow, linking small/ marginal farmers in societal clusters, providing about 21 central oil-distillation facilities and arranging buy-back of the produce by industrial units.

He further mentioned about the vase bamboo resource in the state, which has not been scientifically explored and was pleased to see that this Institute is developing innovative ways to utilize vast bamboo resource of the Himalayas for the development of various industrial products such as wooden board, textile yarn, activated charcoal and other industrial products. He stressed that such technologies have great future for the benefit of mankind.

He also applauded the development of technologies by the institute like vitamin D-enriched shiitake mushroom, and natural colours & dyes which have great societal and industrial significance and to manage malnutrition which continues to afflict the nation.

In the area of ready-to-eat crispy fruits and vegetables and post-harvest technology there are numerous opportunities for Himachal Pradesh to be on the forefront not only in the country but also in Asia continent. The ready-to-eat (RTE) canned ethnic cuisines developed by the Institute have.

He stressed upon a healthy collaboration between scientist, entrepreneur and farmer for inclusive growth of the country. We need a change in thinking with New Science to make new Bharat and it is only through S&T that Himachal Pradesh can progress and become no.1 state in the country.

He was happy to know about the efforts under JIGYASA programme to nurture scientific temper, and to inspire young minds. He further stressed that we need a positive thinking and better education is needed for character building. He appealed to the students to look beyond jobs in government sector and instead start choosing new startups through incubation centres for which Government of India provides funds support of Rs.1 crore to Rs. 3 crores. He stressed upon skill development of the youth which need an increase of upto 60 % of the present strength. He called for women empowerment through science and technology.

Hon’ble Governor digitally inaugurated a total of 21 number of aromatic oil distillation units installed in different parts of the state under CSIR Aroma Mission: 9 units in distt Chamba, which is an aspirational district in the state, 3 units in district Mandi, also 3 units in district Kangra, 2 units in district Kullu and one each in Districts Una, Sirmour, Shimla and Lauhal & Spiti. He interacted with farmers at different locations through video conferencing.

In his welcome address, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the Director of the Institute highlighted achievements and technologies developed in the field of biotechnology, food, agriculture and chemistry. In his address, he highlighted the works done to support the agrarian economy of the state such as first time cultivation of heeng in cold desert regions, monk fruit as new sweetner crop and introduction of saffron in unexplored regions in the state and the country using ENM model. He informed about the development of hygienic honey extraction using “Flow Hive”. He mentioned about the institute’s research efforts in managing malnutrition in the country. He spoke about the development of technology for cultivation of Shitake Mushroom for production of various Vitamin D enriched products like capsules etc.  He told that to alleviate knee pain, research is being conducted to grow cartilage tissue and formulations are being tested and is under clinical trials. Under the aroma mission, farmers have started to augment their incomes with the cultivation of Tagetus and extracting essential oil and selling it to market without involvement of any middle-man. He declared that a floriculture mission is also being initiated which will boost the economy of the state. Apart from this, he presented an overview of the efforts made by the institute to promote human resource development and entrepreneurship.

An MoU with Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvidyalaya, Palampur was signed for collaborative research and academic activities of mutual interest. Besides 03  Technology Transfer agreements were also signed between  M/s A B Scientific Solutions (for making herbal incense cones and herbal soaps), M/s Nano Tech Chemical Brothers Pvt. Ltd. Ludhiana (for production of natural colours and herbal lipsticks), M/s Sirimiri Nutrition Food Products Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore (to manufacture Granola bars).

Earlier he inaugurated Bridge and Concrete Road Network in the institute which has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.5 Crores. Besides, a roof top solar power plant of capacity 350 KW was also inaugurated.

राज्यपाल श्री बंडारू दत्तात्रेय का सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी दौरा

हिमाचल प्रदेश के माननीय राज्यपाल श्री बंडारू दत्तात्रेय जी ने दिनांक 3 मार्च 2020 को सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी का दौरा किया।

राज्यपाल महोदय ने अपने संबोधन में संस्थान की शोध एवं विकास गतिविधियों को सराहा।उन्होंने सिमेगो की सूची में सीएसआईआर के संस्थानों में 9वां स्थान प्राप्त करने के लिए संस्थान को बधाई दी। सगंध तेल के क्षेत्र में प्रदेश के अग्रणी स्थान के लिए भी उन्होंने किसानों एवं उद्यमियों को शुभकामनाएं दीं। उन्होंने आगे बताया कि हींग की फसल की सफलता एक गेम चेंजर साबित हो सकता है। स्टीविया और मोंट फ्रूट स्वीटनर के क्षेत्र में क्रांति ला सकता है। बांस के क्षेत्र मे फाइबर, चारकोल एवं खाद्य को विकसित करके इस संसाधन का महत्व बढ़ा है जो मानवजाति के विकास में महत्वपूर्ण कार्य करेगा। सिटाके मशरुम से बिटामिन डी2 की कमी की भरपाई के साथ-साथ समाजिक व आर्थिक महत्व भी बढ़ेगा। क्रिस्टी फ्रूट  तकनीक प्रदेश में उगाए जाने वाली सेब, चैरी, आम, निंबू प्रजाति और सब्जियों के लिए अत्याधिक प्रासंगिक होगी। हिमालय के विकास के साथ देश का विकास जुड़ा हुआ है अतः उन्होंने आशा प्रकट की कि संस्थान ने हिमालय की अपार जैवसंपदा की क्षमता का लाभ उठाते हुए जो कृषि तकनीकों दी हैं उनसे किसान एवं उद्यमी निश्चित तौर पर अवश्य लाभान्वित होंगे। उन्होंने संस्थान के वैज्ञानिकों से आह्वान किया कि वे अपने शोध से ऐसी प्रौद्योगिकी को विकसित करें जिससे जैवआर्थिकी को बढ़ावा मिले और राष्ट्र आत्मनिर्भरता की ओर अग्रसर हो और नऐ भारत का निर्माण हो सके। 21वीं सदी भारत की होगी तथा सबसे ज्यादा युवा भी होगें अतः हमारा दायित्व है कि युवाओं की प्रतिभा को निखारने के लिए कौशल विकास किया जा सके।  उन्होंने कहा कि शोध केवल प्रयोगशालाओं तक ही न सीमित रहे अपितु इसे प्रक्षेत्र में उतारा जाए। स्टार्टअप शुरु किए जाएं तथा रोजगार के अवसरों को बढ़ाया जा सके। उन्होंने व्यक्तित्व विकास के साथ-साथ चरित्र निर्माण और नैतिकता अपनाने पर बल दिया। विज्ञान के माध्यम से महिलाओं का सशक्तिकरण करके ही देश का विकास सुनिश्चित होगी।

इस अवसर पर राज्यपाल महोदय ने हिमाचल प्रदेश के विभिन्न ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में स्थापित 21 तेल निषकर्षण इकाइयों को प्रदेश के किसानों को समर्पित किया।उन्होंने स्काईप के माध्यम से सगंध फसलों को उगाने वालों से बातचीत की तथा इन नई फसलों को उगानें पर इनसे जुड़े किसानों और उद्यमियों व संस्थान को बधााई दी। संस्थान की शोध गतिविधियों की एक प्रदर्शनी का भी आयोजन किया गया जिसमें राज्यपाल ने गहरी रुचि दिखाई। इस प्रदर्शनी में प्रदेश के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों से आए किसानों, उद्यमियों, चाय उत्पादकों ने प्रतिभागिता की।

इससे पूर्व निदेशक डा. संजय कुमार ने जैवप्रौद्योगिकी, खाद्य, कृषि और रसायनिकी के क्षेत्र में संस्थान की गतिविधियों का परिचय राज्यपाल महोदय को दिया। उन्होंन अपने संबोधन में शीत मरुस्थलीय क्षेत्र में हींग की खेती, एक नऐ स्वीटनर के रुप में मोंक फ्रूट और केसर की खेती के किए जा रहे कार्यों के बारे में बताया। डनहोंने फ्लो हाइव तकनीक से शहद के निष्कर्षण के बारे में बताया। अरोमा मिशन के अन्तर्गत जंगली गेंदे व अन्य सगंध फसलों की खेती से उच्च गुणवत्तायुक्त तेल निकाल कर किसान अधिक आय प्राप्त कर रहे हैं। उन्होंने आगे बताया कि संस्थान ने कुपोषण की कमी को दूर करने के लिए विभिन्न खाद्य उत्पादों को विकसित किया है। घुटनों की दर्द की समस्या के लिए भी एक फार्मुलेशन को विकसित किया गया है जिसके ट्रायल जारी हैं। स्टीविया, लेवेन्डर की खेती से भी किसानों की आर्थिकी बढ़ी है। संस्थान जल्द ही पुष्पखेती मिशन पर कार्य शुरु करने जा रहा है उससे भी किसानों की आर्थिकी में परिवर्तन आएगा। जिज्ञासा कार्यक्रम के माध्यम से हजारों विद्यार्थियों तथा अध्यापकों को विज्ञान के प्रति रुचि जागृत करने की दिशा में संस्थान उल्लेखनीय योगदान कर रहा है। इसके  साथ ही उद्यमिता और कौशल विकास के क्षेत्र में संस्थान की भूमिका पर भी प्रकाश डाला।

इससे पहले राज्यपाल महोदय ने संस्थान की विभिन्न शोध एवं विकास गतिविधियों का अवलोकन किया इस अवसर पर राज्यपाल ने संस्थान के 350 केवीए सौर विद्युत सुविधा, संस्थान परिसर के मार्ग और पुल का उद्घाटन किया। शोधार्थियों के लिए संस्थान में बनने वाले 120 कमरों के होस्टल के निर्माण का शिलान्यास भी किया गया। इसके निर्माण पर 30.20 करोड़ रुपये की लागत आएगी।

इस अवसर पर राज्यपाल ने संस्थान द्वारा क्राइसेंथिमम पुष्प की पांच उन्नत किस्मों तथा सगंध फसलों गुलाब, आर्टिमिज़िया, ड्रेकोसिफैलम, वेलेरियाना और गेंदे की एक-एक विकसित उन्नत किस्मों का विमोचन भी किया गया।

राज्यपाल की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति में संस्थान ने शोध व विकास पर 4 समझौता ज्ञापन किए गए। जिनमें स्थानीय कृषि विश्वविद्यालय के साथ शोध एवं शैक्षणिक गतिविधियों के संचालन के लिए कुलपति प्रो. अशोक कुमार सरियाल और संस्थान के निदेशक डा. संजय कुमार ने दस्तावेजों का आदान प्रदान किया। दूसरा समझौता मै. ए.बी. सांइटिफिक साॅल्युशन के साथ हिमाचल प्रदेश के मंदिरों में चढ़ावे के फूलों से धूप एवं अगरबती निर्माण एवं हर्बल साबुन तैयार करने के लिए किया गया। तीसरा समझौता मै. नेनोटैक केमिकल प्रा. लि., लुधियाना के सथ प्राकृतिक रंग और हर्बल लिपिस्टक के लिए किया गया। चैथा समझौता मै. सिरिमिरि न्यूट्रिश्यन फूड प्रा. लि., बंगलुरु के साथ ग्रेनोला-बार उत्पादों के निर्माण के लिए किया गया।

इस अवसर पर चाय उत्पादकों व सगंध उद्यमियों ने भी माननीय राज्यपाल को सम्मानित किया।

CSIR-IHBT Celebrates National Science Day

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur celebrated National Science Day with great enthusiasm today to commemorate the discovery of the famous “Raman Effect” by Sir CV Raman, for which he was awarded the Nobel prize in physics in 1930. This year the theme of National Science Day is 'Women in Science'.

Dr. (Mrs.) Manju Sharma, Former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and Distinguished Women Scientist Chair, NASI, Allahabad, was the Chief Guest of the function. She interacted with the august gathering through video conferencing and shared here views on how applications of biotechnology can be focused for sustainable development and bio-economy. She also commended the efforts of the institute towards boosting the bio-based economy in the state. In her gracious ‘online’ presence and permission, the various buildings housing different labs and facilities, were dedicated in the names of past directors of the institute to recognize their commitment and visionary leadership. Besides, food processing unit was also inaugurated by her through video link. On this occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Srinivas V. Kaveri, Director, CNRS office in India, French Embassy delivered the keynote address on the topic "The impact of environment on the society and our responsibility: the role of science". He elaborated on different arms system and their coordinated actions against pathogens, inflammation and allergy. He also emphasized on the role of gut bacteria on overall human health. He very effectively shared his thoughts on as to how environment shapes our immune system, the associated factors, emerging ideas and future directions. It was highly intriguing to know that environmental toxins impair immune system over multiple generations, weakening the body’s defenses against infections such as the influenza virus and allergies.

In his welcome address, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the Director of the Institute highlighted achievements and technologies developed in the field of biotechnology, food, agriculture and chemistry. In his address, he mentioned about the institute’s research efforts in managing malnutrition in the country. He spoke about the development of technology for cultivation of Shitake Mushroom for production of various Vitamin D enriched products like capsules etc. He told that to alleviate knee pain, research is being conducted to grow cartilage tissue and formulations are being tested and is under clinical trials. Under the aroma mission, farmers have started to augment their incomes with the cultivation of Tagetus and extracting essential oil and selling it to market without involvement of any middle-man. He declared that a floriculture mission is also being initiated which will boost the economy of the state. He also mentioned that the institute is also working in the focus areas of biodiversity and water resources conservation. Apart from this, he presented an overview of the efforts made by the institute to promote human resource development and entrepreneurship.

On this occasion, CSIR-IHBT signed an MoU with Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, District Kangra for joint R&D in the area of clinical validation of pre-clinically proven health promoting products.

सी.एस.आई.आर.-आई.एच.बी.टी. में राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस का आयोजन

सी.एस.आई.आर.-हिमालय जैवसंपदा प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान, पालमपुर में हर वर्ष की भांति 28 फरवरी को राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस का आयोजन किया गया। सर डा. सी वी समन द्वारा 28 फरवरी 1928 को ‘रमन प्रभाव’ की खोज के लिए उन्हें 1930 में भौतिकी के लिए नोबल पुरस्कार प्रदान किया गया था। डा. रमन की इस खोज को स्मरण करने के उद्देश्य से प्रत्येक वर्ष 28 फरवरी को राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस के रुप में मनाया जाता है। इस वर्ष की थीम ‘विज्ञान में महिलाए’ हैं।

डा. मंजु शर्मा, भारत सरकार की पूर्व सचिव, जैवप्रौद्योगिकी विभाग तथा प्रतिष्ठित महिला वैज्ञानिक चेयर नासी, इलाहाबाद समारोह के मुख्य अतिथि थीं। ऑनलाइन संबोधित करते हुए उन्होंने राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस के उद्देश्यों विज्ञान लोकप्रियकरण एवं समाज में वैज्ञानिक जागरुकता लाना के बारे में बताया। उन्होंने संस्थान से आह्वन किया कि वे जैवसंपदा संरक्षण और जैवआर्थिकी को बढ़ाने की दिशा में सक्रिय भुमिका निभाए तथा संस्थान द्वारा जैवआर्थिकी के क्षेत्र में योगदान को सराहा। अपनी ऑनलाइन उपस्थिति में डा. मंजू शर्मा ने संस्थान की भवनों एवं सुविधाओं का पूर्व निदेशको के योगदान एवं नेतृत्व प्रदान करने के लिए उनके नाम पर संस्थान के भवनों के नामकरण को भी समर्पित किया। इसके साथ ही उन्होंने खाद्य प्रसंस्कण इकाई का भी उदघाटन किया।

डा. श्रीनिवास वी कावेरी, निदेशक, फ्रांसीसी दूतावास के भारत स्थित सीएनआरएस कार्यालय के निदेशक डा. श्रीनिवास वी कावेरी ने ‘समाज पर पर्यावरण का प्रभाव और हमारा दायित्वः विज्ञान की भूमिका’ विषय पर राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान दिवस संभाषण दिया। अपने संबोधन में डा. कावेरी ने बताया कि हमारी प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली पर पर्यावरण का गहरा प्रभाव होता है। इसलिए हमें अपने दायित्व के प्रति जागरुक होना आवश्यक है। बहुत से रोग पर्यावरण के कारण ही फैल रहे हैं। जलवायु परिवर्तन भी इसी का एक पक्ष ळें।

इससे पूर्व संस्थान के निदेशक डा. संजय कुमार ने आए हुए अतिथियों का स्वागत करते हुए संस्थान की गतिविधियों तथा वैज्ञानिक उपलब्धियों पर प्रकाश डाला। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने बताया कि संस्थान ने कुपोषण की कमी को दूर करने के लिए विभिन्न खाद्य उत्पादों को विकसित किया है। विटामिन डी 2 की कमी को पूरा करने के लिए शिटाके मशरुम के विभिन्न उत्पाद और केप्सूल विकसित कर दिए गए हैं। घुटनों की दर्द की समस्या के लिए भी एक फार्मुलेशन को विकसित किया गया है जिसके क्लीनिकल ट्रायल जारी हैं। अरोमा मिशन के अन्तर्गत जंगली गेंदे की खेती से उच्च गुणवत्तायुक्त तेल निकाल कर किसान अधिक आय प्राप्त कर रहे हैं। स्टीविया, लेवेन्डर की खेती से भी किसानों की आर्थिकी बढ़ी है। संस्थान जल्द ही पुष्पखेती मिशन पर कार्य शुरु करने जा रहा है। जैवविविधता के क्षेत्र में जल संसाधनों और जलसंरक्षण के क्षेत्र में संस्थान कार्य कर रहा है। जिज्ञासा कार्यक्रम के माध्यम से हजारों विद्यार्थियों तथा अध्यापकों को विज्ञान के प्रति रुचि जागृत करने की दिशा में संस्थान उल्लेखनीय योगदान कर रहा है।

विज्ञान दिवस के उपलक्ष पर भी आज भी राजकीय वरि. माध्यमिक विद्यालय, सुलह के 37 छात्रों तथा 2 अध्यापकों ने संस्थान का भ्रमण किया ।

इस अवसर पर संस्थान द्वारा विकसित औषधि के नैदानिक उपचार को जांचने के लिए डा. राजेन्द्र प्रसाद मेडिकल कालेज, टांडा के साथ एक समझौता ज्ञापन भी किया गया।

इस समारोह में कृषि विश्वविद्यालय के कुलपति डा. अशोक कुमार सरियाल, डा. विनय महाजन एसएमओ, मेडिकल कालेज, टांडा के डाक्टर, कृषि विश्वविद्यालय एवं विभिन्न वैज्ञानिक संस्थानों के वैज्ञानिक, छात्रों, प्रमुख नागरिकों और मीडिया प्रतिनिधियों ने अपनी उपस्थिति से कार्यक्रम को सुशोभित किया।

Nayudamma Memorial Cricket Tournament-2019

CSIR-IHBT Signed MoU with NABI & CIAB for Scientific Collaborations

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) jointly with National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali and Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), Mohali for collaboration on research & development as well as academics including faculty and student exchange.

According to Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director of CSIR-IHBT, and Dr T.R. Sharma, Executive Director, NABI as well as CEO of CIAB, these three institutes will collaborate in the area of agriculture biotechnology, food and nutraceuticals and industry academia interactions to promote and facilitate scientific, technological and academic activities in the region. It was also agreed to develop collaborative projects under areas of mutual interest and exchange of faculty and scholars to boost overall scientific collaboration between the institutes.

It is pertinent to mention here that CSIR-IHBT has been actively involved for boosting bioeconomy through sustainable utilization of Himalayan using cutting edge science and technology. On the other hand, NABI is working on food and nutritional security through agri-food biotechnology research and innovation with a goal of improving nutritional quality and availability of affordable agri-food and food products. The third institute, CIAB is works mainly on secondary agriculture and development of value added products from different types of bio resources. IHBT is a constituent institute of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research whereas NABI and CIAB are institutes of the Department of Biotechnology.

Foundation Day of CSIR Celebrated

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology celebrated Foundation Day of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established by the Government of India on 26th September of 1942, i.e. about 5 years prior to independence of our nation, as an autonomous body, that has emerged as the largest research and development organisation in India. CSIR is known for its cutting-edge R&D knowledgebase in diverse areas. CSIR is a contemporary R&D organization, having a pan-India presence, through a dynamic network of 38 national laboratories working in diverse areas of science and technologies. CSIR’s R&D expertise and experience is embodied in about 3,390 scientists, which are supported by about 8,000 technical and administrative personnel. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India is President of CSIR and Union Minister of Science & Technology is the Vice President.

Padmashree Dr. V Prakash, Former Director of CSIR-CFTRI and Distinguished Scientist of CSIR delivered the Foundation Day Lecture on “Health and Wellness through Tradition and Science - Farm to Folk” and described role of nutrition and nutraceuticals as well as smart food for health and wellness. He highlighted the importance of our traditional foods and pattern of eating in relation to immunity, mental and physical activities of the body. He also threw light on some of the recent developments in science like synthetic chromosomes, capturing bacteria through mobiles, artificial intelligence in chemical sciences and emergence of new area of science like herbaceuticals.

In his address, Director CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Sanjay Kumar informed SCImago Institutional has ranked this institute between 7^th to 9^th position among CSIR labs in the last three years. He told that research on “Bioprospection of Microbiome from Himalayan Niches” was undertaken for exploration of microbial diversity of Himalayan region for biotechnological applications. Exploring the microbes of Himalaya, our institute has developed an efficient L-asparaginase enzyme with no glutiminase activity for which institute is now targeting the global market of industrial enzymes. This enzyme is particularly useful in treating acute lymphocytic leukemia. He further told that under the CSIR Nutraceutical Missions various nutraceutical and herbal-based health products are being developed. As a relief measure, one-lakh units of protein and fibre enriched cereal bars, and ready to eat foods were distributed to Kerala floods affected areas. Under, Phytopharmaceutical Mission, the rare and endangered medicinal Himalayan plants viz., Valeriana jatamansi, Picrorhiza kurroa, Saussurea lappa and Inula racemosa have been brought under captive cultivation. Under CSIR-Aroma mission, farmers in different districts of Himachal Pradesh and other states were empowered by CSIR-IHBT and the area under the crops viz., wild marigold, damask rose, Indian valerian and lemongrass in HP was extended to 350 ha. With annual production of 4 tonnes of high grade tagetes oil, the state became the highest producer of tagetes oil and benefited over 1000 farmer families.

On this day, CSIR-IHBT conferred Technology adoption award to its incubatee and technology partners who has successfully adopted the technology developed by the Institute. The awards were given to M/s Agri Natural India, Ludhiana for large scale expansion of stevia cultivation; M/s Sai Foods, Baijnath, H.P. for successful commercialization of Ready to Eat Local cousine, the Kangri Dhaam, and to Mr Udhey Singh, an incubatee with the institute, for successfully running a startup company for production and marketing of stevia liquid drops and also green coffee extract with stevia.

The institute felicitated its best performing employees, employee who completed 25 years of service the employees superannuated during the last one year. The children of the employees who contested in various games and events and ranked first, second or third positions were also suitably awarded.

Current Vice Chancellor Prof A.K. Sarial, and Ex VC, Prof. S. K. Sharma, HP Agriculture University, SMO Dr Viney Mahajan, Dr. Naresh Sharma, Principal Ayurvedic College, Dr. Y. S. Dhaliwal, Dean of Home Science College, Col. Bhardwaj from Army, doctors and eminent citizen of the regions also graced the occasion. Former scientists, CSIR-IHBT, scientists from different research institutions, research scholars, students, industrialists, prominent citizens and media personnel also participated in the programme.

सीएसआईआर स्थापना दिवस

वैज्ञानिक तथा औद्योगिक अनुसंधान परिषद्‌ (सी.एस.आई.आर.) का स्थापना दिवस समारोह इस परिषद की हिमाचल प्रदेश में स्थित राष्ट्रीय प्रयोगशाला सीएसआईआर-हिमालय जैवसंपदा प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान, पालमपुर में आज दिनांक 26.09.2019 को बडे़ हर्षोल्लास के साथ मनाया गया। संस्थान ने इस दिवस को जनदिवस के रुप में मनाया जिसमें आम जन, किसान, बागवान, उद्यमियों ने संस्थान की शोध एवं विकास गतिविधियों एवं उपलब्धियों के बारे में जानकारी प्राप्त की।

सन्‌ 1942 के 26 सितम्बर के इसी ऐतिहासिक दिन को विश्व की सबसे बड़ी परिषद की स्थापना हुई थी। पूरे भारत में इस संस्था की 38 राष्ट्रीय प्रयोगशाला हैं जिसमें लगभग 11400 वैज्ञानिक, तकनीकी एवं अन्य कार्मिक कार्य कर रहे हैं। परिषद के इस संस्थान सीएसआईआर-हिमालय जैवसंपदा प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान, पालमपुर का लक्ष्य सामाजिक, औद्योगिक तथा पर्यावरणीय लाभ हेतु हिमालयी जैवसंपदा सतत उपयोग द्वारा जैवआर्थिकी को उन्नत करने के लिए प्रौद्यागिकी विकसित करना है।

समारोह में पदमश्री डॉ. वी प्रकाश, पूर्व निदेशक, सीएसआईआर- केन्द्रीय खाद्य प्रौद्योगिक अनुसंधान संस्थान, मैसूर (सीएफटीआरआई) ने ''परम्परा और विज्ञान के माध्यम से आरोग्य एवं स्वास्थ्यः खेत एवं परम्परा'' विषय पर स्थापना दिवस संभाषण दिया। अपने संभाषण में उन्होंने आधुनिक जीवनशैली और हमारे खान-पान के विभिन्न पहलुओं के बारे में समझाया कि आधुनिक भोजन पोषक नहीं रह गया है जिसके कारण बहुत सी स्वास्थय संबन्धी समस्याएं हो रही हैं। इन सारी समस्याओं का हल हमारी प्रकृति में ही है आवश्यकता है तो केवल उसके उपयोग की जिस हम भूल चुके हैं। आज फिर से समय आ गया है कि इस परम्परागत ज्ञान का सहेजे ताकि अगली पीढ़ी इसका लाभ उठा सके। अन्यथा पोषक भोजन से हम दूर होते जाएगें और कई प्रकार के रोगों के शिकार हो जाएगें। उन्होंने बताया कि हम परम्परा से प्राप्त पौधों के औषधीय गुणों के ज्ञान को भूलते जा रहे हैं। अतः आवश्यकता इस बात की है कि आधुनिक उपायों के साथ-साथ हम परम्परागत खाद्य का मूल्यवर्धन करके इस ज्ञान को संरक्षित करने की दिशा में आगे बढ़े।

संस्थान के निदेशक डा. संजय कुमार ने आये हुए अतिथियों का स्वागत किया तथा प्रमुख प्रयोगशालाओं की प्रमुख गतिविधियों एवं उपलब्धियों का संक्षिप्त विवरण प्रस्तुत किया। अपने संबोधन में उन्होंने संस्थान की परिकल्पणा जैवआर्थिकी के उन्नयन हेतु प्रौद्योगिकीय उद्‌भवता एवं विकास में हिमालयी जैवसंपदा के संपोषणीय उपयोग द्वारा विश्व स्तर पर अग्रणी होने के संकल्प को दोहराया। इसमें प्रौद्योगिकी, जैवआर्थिकी और जैवसंपदा तीन महत्वपूर्ण पहलु हैं। संस्थान ने प्रौद्योगिकी के क्षेत्र में सुपरॉक्साइड डिस्म्यूटेज, एल -एस्पराजिनेस जैसी प्रौद्योगिकियां विकसित करके उद्योगों को दी। संस्थान अरोमा मिशन के अन्तर्गत जंगदी गेंदा की फसल एवं तेल तथा पुष्प फसलों के द्वारा जैवआर्थिकी को बढ़ाने तथा पिक्रोराइजा और अन्य पौधों को उनके प्राकृतिक परिवेश में पुनः स्थापित करने जैवसंपदा संरक्षण की दिशा में योगदान कर रहा है। विटामिन की कमी को पूरा करने के लिए शिटाके मशरुम के केप्सूल तैयार किए गए हैं। हींग की खेती को प्रथम बार भारत में शुरु किया गया है। मधुमेह रोगियों के जीवन में मिठास लाने के लिए मोंक फ्रूट व स्टीविया का प्राकृतिक विकल्प उपलब्ध कराया है। केसर की खेती के क्षेत्र में भी सफलता प्राप्त हुई है।

इस अवसर पर संस्थान की प्रौद्योगिकी को अपनाने के लिए संस्थान के इनक्यूबेटी श्री उदय सिंह, श्री साई फूड, बैजनाथ के श्री राजेश शर्मा तथा एग्रीनेचुरल इंडिया के श्री रवि शर्मा एवं टीम सदस्यों को प्रौद्योगिकी ग्रहण पुरस्कार के साथ सम्ममानित किया गया।

इस अवसर पर श्री विपिन कुमार, श्री थमन बहादुर, श्री प्रवीण कुमार, श्री राजेन्द्र कुमार, श्रीमती पूजा अवस्थी, श्री मनोज कुमार, श्री राकेश चन्द, श्री कुलदीप सिंह, श्री जसबीर सिंह एवं श्री राकेश वर्मा को संस्थान के सर्वश्रेष्ठ कर्मचारियों के रूप में सम्मानित किया गया। संस्थान की सेवा के 25 वर्ष पूरा करने वाले तथा सेवानिवृत हुए कर्मचारियों को भी सम्मानित किया गया।

स्थापना दिवस के उपलक्ष में संस्थान के स्टाफ के बच्चों के लिए आयोजित पेंटिंग, निबन्ध एवं प्रश्नोत्तरी प्रतियोगिता के विजेताओं को भी पुरस्कत किया किया।

इस समारोह में कृषि विश्वविद्यालय कुलपति डा. अशोक कुमार सरियाल, पूर्व कुलपति डा. एस.के. शर्मा, मुख्‍य चिकित्सा अधिकारी डा. विनय महाजन, डा. कपिला, डा. सुशांत अवस्थी, प्रो. रणजोध सिंह, डा. धालीवाल, आयुर्वेदिक महाविद्यालय के प्राचार्य, कर्नल भारद्वाज, पालमपुर के गणमान्य व्यक्तियों, किसानों बागवानों एवं मीडिया के लोगों ने भाग लिया।

सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी पालमपुर में हिमालय दिवस का आयोजन

सीएसआईआर-आईएचबीटी पालमपुर में आत दिनांक 9 सितम्बर 2019 को ‘हिमालय दिवस’ का आयोजन किया गया। उत्तराखंड में पर्यावरणविदों के एक समूह द्वारा 2010 में एक पहल की गई थी ताकि यह प्रचार किया जा सके कि हिमालय का सतत विकास हिमालय के पारिस्थिकीय तंत्र के अनुरुप ही अद्वितीय होना चाहिए। तभी से इस दिवस को हिमालय दिवस के रूप में शुरु किया था यह सारे हिमालयी राज्यों के लिए महत्वपूर्ण एवं प्रासंगिक है।

इस अवसर पर सीएसके हिमाचल प्रदेश कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, पालमपुर के पूर्व कुलपति डा. एस. के. शर्मा ने ‘हिमालयी जैवसंपदा संरक्षण एवं प्रबन्धन’ विषय पर संभाषण दिया। अपने संबोधन में हिमालयी क्षेत्र की जैवविधिता और उसकी संरक्षण पद्धति, संभावनाओं तथा  देश में विद्यमान जैवसंपदा के संरक्षण एवं नियमों का उल्लेख भी किया। उन्होने आगे बताया कि विश्व के 17 प्रमुख जैवविविधता क्षेत्रों में भारत भी एक है। हिमालय में अपार संभावनाएं हैं आवश्कता है उसके सही एवं सतत उपयोग की। इसका संरक्षण इसके उपयोग द्वारा ही संभव है। इसके लिए सभी प्रमुख मंत्रालयों, संस्थानों, विभागो, एजेंसियो को आगे आना होगा। अपनी-अपनी भूमिका निर्धारित करनी होगी तथा एक दूसरे के साथ समन्वय करना होगा।

संस्थान के निदेशक डा. संजय कुमार ने अपने स्वागत संबोधन में सभी को हिमालय दिवस की शुभकामनाएं देते हुए संस्थान द्वारा हिमालयी जैवसंपदा के संरक्षण की दिशा में किए जा रहे कार्यां के बारे में प्रकाश डाला। संस्थान हिमालय जैवसंपदा के सतत उपयोग के माध्यम से जैवआर्थिकी के विकास के लिए प्रौद्योगिकियों को विकसित करने की दिशा में अग्रसर है। हमारे शोध का स्थानीय प्रासंगिकता तथा वैश्विक प्रभाव है। संस्थान हिमालय के विभिन्न जैव स्रोंतो से जैवप्लास्टिक बनाने की दिशा में भी आगे बढ़ा है। संस्थान ने लुप्तप्राय, संकटापन्न प्रजातियों के संरक्षण की दिशा में पहल की है तथा पिक्रोराइजा जैसे अनेक पौधों को उनके प्राकृतिक स्थलों में लगाकर हिमालयी जैवसंपदा के संरक्षण में योगदान कर रहा है ताकि भविष्य में इन पौधों का विभिन्न प्रयोजनों के लिए सदुपयोग किया जा सके। संस्थान हिमालयी क्षेत्रों में जंगली गेंदे, दमस्क गुलाब, नींबू घास, सुगंधबाला आदि जैसे सुगंधित फसलों की खेती और प्रसंस्करण द्वारा किसान की आय बढ़ाने में सक्रिय रूप से कार्य कर रहा है। जहां परम्परागत खेती को जंगली जानवर हानि पंहुचा देते थे लेकिन इन फसलों के लगाने के बाद इस समस्या का हल हो गया है।

कार्यक्रम के मुख्य अतिथि व संस्थान की अनुसंधान परिषद के अध्यक्ष डा. अनिल कुश ने समारोह की अध्यक्षता करते हुए एक कविता के माध्यम से हिमालय की जैवविविधता के विभिन्न पहलुओं का गुणगान किया तथा हिमालय की तुलना स्वर्ग से की तथा जलवायु परिवर्तन पर सोचने तथा इस दिशा में आगे कार्य करने का आह्वान किया।

CSIR-IHBT Scholars organised Science Seminar

The research scholars of CSIR-IHBT Palampur organised third annual seminar on the theme "Science for Society: Targeting the unmet demands of the Nation" at the Institute on this teachers’ day, dedicated to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India and a great scholar. This is the third year of this initiative.

Chief Guest of the occasion, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General of CSIR, New Delhi, expressed happiness to see young people thinking of future problems and willing to offer solution through science. He advised them not to afraid of failures. Many times genius people have also failed. He advised the students and scientists to learn to celebrate even if innovation and out of box ideas did not reach to their expected destination.

In his address, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director of the institute, explained the passion of scientific temper by narrating the story of evolution of new branches of sciences such as chemical ecology, artificial intelligence, nano and neurosciences, precision agriculture, 3-D printing etc. Appreciating standard, Dr Sanjay congratulated the students for their high scientific temperament and called upon the young minds to take triggers of innovative ideas to their exploration and execution.

In 23 different presentations, the scholars put forth the possible scientific solutions to the challenges being faced, the kind of research work they have initiated as well as proposed the next generation initiatives in different fields.  They specifically focussed on organic waste management, nano-catalyst, hydro-aeroponics, indoor air pollution, new low calorie natural sweeteners, modern beekeeping, next generation nanomedicines, gut microbiota, β-galactosidase producing microbes, Himalayan enzymes, artificial intelligence for gene regulation, plant-derived monoclonal antibodies, next generation approach for biodiversity assessment, saga of miRNA, plant microbiome, nutriomics, genomics, viriology, natural products etc.

A 3-member expert penal evaluated the presentations and awards were given to the best presentations. Awards were also given to the winners of scientific writing competition and photography competition.

This mega event was sponsored by various national companies and was graced by eminent scientific personalities along with hundreds of research scholars and scientific staff.

Visit of Taiwanese Delegation to CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP

Four-member delegation from National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM), Taipei, Taiwan visited CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP during 1st to 4th July 2019 to explore prospects of working in mutually benefiting R&D projects and activities. Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director CSIR-IHBT welcomed the delegation which was led by Professor Fang-Rong Chang Director, NRICM; Dr Lie-Chwen Lin, Research Fellow/Director Division of Chinese Medicine Literature & Informatics; Dr Mayeesha Yu-Hwei Tseng and Dr Chang-Chang Chen, Assistant Research Fellows. Taiwanese delegates interacted with CSIR-IHBT scientists. Directors of both the institutes discussed in detail various R&D activities of their respective institutes. On 2nd July delegation visited GIS data base, pilot plant, pharmacology and toxicology laboratory, LC-MS, metabolomics, proteomics facility, Nanobiology lab, Bioinformatics, Food & Nutraceutical, tissue culture, hydroponic, NMR and GC-MS facility various labs, Chandpur farm, Biodiversity farm of CSIR-IHBT. The delegation also attended the 37th foundation day programme of CSIR-IHBT. Delegation also visited pharmaceutical industries of nearby areas in Paprola and Nagrota Bhagwan of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, where they were made aware about different herbs used in Ayurvedic, Unani and Sidha Medicines and their formulation array using quality tested herbs, minerals and other ingredients to ensure highly effective nature of medicine in the form of capsule, tablet, syrup and other dosage forms. They were also apprised about various facilities such as manufacturing, R&D and quality and control of ayurvedic herbal extracts phyto chemicals, oleoresins and ayurvedic medicines. They also visited Dhauladhar mountain to explore local flora. Professor Chang, Director, NRICM and team appreciated various research activities going in CSIR-IHBT, Palampur. Dr Rakesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IHBT & programme coordinator told the correspondent that Director, NRICM institute expressed interest in signing MoU and exchange of scientists and students for the R & D activities on medicinal plants. Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT is hopeful that visit by Taiwanese delegation will pave the way for future collaboration and mutual agreements between two institutes.

Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur

CSIR- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology celebrated its 37th Foundation Day on 2nd July, 2019. Prof. Akhilesh Kumar Tyagi, JC Bose National Fellow, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi delivered the Foundation Day Lecture on “Approaching Bioeconomy through Agri-biotechnology”. In his address, Prof. Tyagi raised the issues of bioeconomy and how to enhance it through biotechnological interventions. He stressed on the importance of using agri-biotechnological means for solving food security problems of the country. In his views, one of the sector where our organization should intervene is the bioeconomy of Indian medicinal plants. He elaborated current research in the area of genomics or producing high quality hybrid seeds in our food crops such as rice, tomato, chickpea etc. He also briefed about the Earth BioGenome Project, by which 1000 species of plants and animals of our country have to be sequenced. He also informed about the advantages of Genome Editing by which it is possible to edit the genes inside the body of animals and animals. At last he raised the issues of adopting genetically modified crops for raising our bioeconomy.

Before his address, Director CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Sanjay Kumar presented the Annual Report 2018-19. He told that CSIR-IHBT had made entry into SCImago Institutional rankings in the previous year with 9th position, which further increased to 7th position this year. CSIR-IHBT has been recognized as a nodal lab for implementing various projects across 20 CSIR-labs under the theme, Agri-Nutri-Biotech to develop agro-technologies for boosting farmers income through commercially important crops and to foster value added products of industrial and societal relevance through scientific interventions. He told that research on “Bioprospection of Microbiome from Himalayan Niches” was undertaken for exploration of microbial diversity of Himalayan region for biotechnological applications. Exploring the microbes of Himalaya, our institute has developed an efficient L-asparaginase enzyme with no glutiminase activity for which institute is now targeting the global market of industrial enzymes. This enzyme is particularly useful in treating acute lymphocytic leukemia.

He further told that under the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, about 1.5 crore quality planting material of Stevia rebaudiana was raised for nation-wide cultivation. Additionally, 1.40 lakh quality plants were also raised and 40 acres of land was brought under captive cultivation of threatened medicinal species such as Valeriana jatamansi, Picrorhiza kurroa, Saussurea lappa and Inula racemosa. Under CSIR-Aroma mission, farmers in different districts of Himachal Pradesh and other states were empowered by CSIR-IHBT and the area under the crops viz., wild marigold, damask rose, Indian valerian and lemongrass in HP was extended to 256 ha. With 7.6 tonnes of high grade tagetes oil, the state became the highest producer of tagetes oil and benefited 728 farmer families. Besides, he also shared that CSIR-IHBT has developed preservative and additive free multigrain protein mix utilizing cereals, millets, pulses and instant soup mixes for protein and micronutrient malnutrition. Among these products, Vitamin D enriched Shitake mushroom and iron and zinc fortification through microalgae Spirulina have also been developed. As a relief measure, one lakh units of protein and fibre enriched cereal bars, and ready to eat Khichdi were distributed to Kerala floods affected areas.

Dr. Saroj K. Barik, Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow was Guest of Honour and addressed the august gathering. Dr. Barik highlighted the multitude problems of Himalaya and the challenges for solving major issues using bioresources based technologies.

Chief Guest Prof. Sudhir K. Sopory, SERB Distinguished Scientist, ICGEB New Delhi and former VC Jawahar Lal Nehru University chaired the programme. In his Presidential address, he spoke about the importance of management of vast amount of knowledge which is being generated. He suggested that it is the need of the hour to integrate different domains in knowledge and come out with specific outcomes useful for the society.

On this occasion institute’s Annual Report 2018-19 was released. An updated version of Technological Profile of IHBT, CSIR-IHBT Handbook of General Rules and Regulations, four technical folders on agro-technology of Calla lily, Indian Valerian, Superfoods (Quinoa and Chia) were also released.

In this programme, Taiwanese delegation led by Dr. Fang-Rong Chang, Director, National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine also participated. Prof. S. K. Sharma, Ex-Vice Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University and Dr. Kshama Maitre, Director Chinmaya Mission also graced the occasion. Former scientists, CSIR-IHBT, scientists from different research institutions, research scholars, students, industrialists, prominent citizens and media personnel participated in the programme.

CSIR-IHBT invites Expression of Interest (EOI) for following technologies :

• Repurposing of Ayurveda based herbal formulation for COVID19
• Herbal Formulation for Immunity Modulation
• Technology for Formulation of Herbal Incense Cones from Herbs and Flowers
• Technology for Preparation of Hand Sanitizer
• Economical Herbal Soap (Bar and Liquid)
• Technology for Preparation of Tea Vinegar
• Technologies for Production of Plant Growth Promoting Microbes
• Edible Natural Colours
• Herbal Lipstick
• Technology for Low cost indigenized bioreactor system
• Technology for Valeriana jatamansi adventitious root culture
• Technology for commercial production of Spirulina based energy bar
• Technology for commercial production of multigrain high protein beverage and
  instant soup mixes
• Technology for Improved Varieties of Calla lily and Gerbera Cultivars 
• Technology for Mini Distillation Unit Herbostill^TM
• Technology for IRIS^TM – An Easy Solution to RNA Isolation
• Technology for Developing L-Asparaginase with Low Glutaminase Activity for Therapeutic Applications
• Technology for  4-substituted cyclohexane-1,3-dione Synthesis
• Technology for Preparation of Ready to Serve Instant Teas 
• Technology for Preparation of Tea Wine
• Evaluation of Socio-economic Impact of technologies developed by CSIR-IHBT
• Technology for Preparation of Herbal Teas 
• Technology for commercial production of Value Added Buckwheat  Products
• Technology for commercial production of ready-to-eat Crispy Fruits
• Technology for commercial production of ready-to-eat ethnic food especially Kangra Dham (Rajma ka Madra,Taliye Dal,Khatta Chana,Raita(Mithri) etc.

हिन्दी रूपांतर 

• COVID19 के लिए आयुर्वेद आधारित हर्बल फार्मुलेशन
• जड़ी बूटियों और फूलों से हर्बल धूप कोन प्रौद्योगिकी
• हैंड सैनिटाइजर निर्माण प्रौद्योगिकी
• किफायती/सस्‍ता हर्बल साबुन (टिकिया और तरल)
• चाय सिरका (विनेगर) तैयार करने की तकनीक
• पादप वृद्धि में सहायक जीवाणु उत्‍पादन प्रौद्यागिकी
• खाद्य प्राकृतिक रंग
• हर्बल लिपिस्टिक
• कम लागत युक्‍त स्वदेशी बायोरिएक्टर सिस्‍टम
• वे‍लेरियाना जटामांसी अपस्‍थानिक जड़ संवर्धन प्रौद्योगिकी
• स्पिरूलिना आधारित एनर्जी बार के व्‍यवसायिक उत्पादन के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी
• बहु अन्‍नीय (मल्‍टीग्रेन) उच्‍च प्रोटीन पेय और तत्‍काल (इन्‍स्‍टेंट) सूप के व्‍यवसायिक उत्‍पादन की प्रौद्योगिकी
• कैला लिलि तथा जरबेरा की उन्‍नत किस्‍मों
• मिनी डिस्टिलेशन यूनिट हर्बोस्टिल ट्रेडमार्क
• रेडी टू सर्व चाय निर्माण प्रौद्योगिकी
• टी- वाइन बनाने के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी
• सामाजिक आर्थिक प्रभाव का मूल्‍यांकन
• हर्बल चाय बनाने के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी
• मूल्‍यवर्धित बक्‍कबीट के व्‍यवसायिक उत्पादन के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी
• रेडी टू ईट क्रिस्पी फ्रूट की व्‍यवसायिक उत्पादन के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी
• रेडी टू ईट परम्‍परागत व्‍यंजन के व्‍यवसायिक उत्पादन के लिए प्रौद्योगिकी

Technology Index :

• Agro Technology
• Agri Chemical
• Bio Technology
• Food Technology
• Pharma

Situated among pristine environs in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges, CSIR-IHBT has a focused research mandate for sustainable development of bioresources to enhance bioeconomy in the Himalayan region. The young and dynamic team of the scientists, the technicians and research scholars works dedicatedly to discover and find solutions to new challenging problems relevant to the society. National and international collaborations further strengthen scientific interactions at a global scale. Promoting industrial growth through technological interventions is a constant endeavor and several technologies developed by the institute are transferred to industries and generated employment opportunities.

CSIR-IHBT invites application for the following Skill Development Training Programme :

• Animal Breeding and Housing Practices | (Download Application Form)
• Hands-on Laboratory Experiment and Analytical Exposure | (Download Application Form)
• Gardener | (Download Application Form)
• Plant Tissue Culture | (Download Application Form)
• Floriculturist-Protected Cultivation | (Download Application Form)
• Laboratory Practices in Animal House | (Download Application Form)

CSIR - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology , Palampur. Ultimate destination for research on bioresources

Download Brochure

Invitation for proposals from MSEs/Innovators for working in the CRTDH established at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur

Read in detail