CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, entered into an understanding with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Anphar Laboratories (P) Limited, JK Aroma Farmers Producer Cooperative Limited and Himalayan Essential Oils Producer Company Limited (HEOPCL) and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with them on 16 March 2024. Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Vice President CSIR, Dr Jitendra Singh graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Dr Jitendra Singh lauded CSIR-IIIM’s efforts for its new initiatives to work with industries and agri-entrepreneurs jointly and also emphasised the importance of such collaborations between institutions, public sector enterprises, and private companies in driving innovation and economic growth in the region. He said exchanging MoUs marked the beginning of mutually beneficial partnerships fostering innovation, economic development, and societal impact.
He highlighted CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to advancing research and technology to address the evolving needs of society and industry. He credited the Institute with signing MoUs with different institutions ranging from Industry to government and featuring societal and agri-entrepreneurship. He expressed his satisfaction that throughout that last decade, farmers who were reluctant to grow lavender have become industrialists and are in a position to employ others.
He also appreciated Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM and his entire team for supporting Jammu and Kashmir’s economic progress through technology and finance. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM mentioned that CSIR-IIIM, besides doing cutting-edge science, is equally involved in the societal mission programmes and activities, having a national developmental impact. “Signing of MoUs among CSIR-IIIM, NHAI, Industry and Agri-entrepreneurs is a testimony to the Institute’s resolve to work for inclusive economic development and support product development through strong collaboration with the industry”, he added. Further, he gave a detailed account of the scope of MOUs signed today.
With the NHAI, the Institute is collaborating to carry out a lavender plantation on NH-44 from Ramban to Banihal, aimed at sustainable environmental practices and advancing highway infrastructure development.
In another MoU, signed between CSIR-IIIM and Anphar Laboratories (P) Limited, the emphasis is on developing methods for API synthesis, key starting material and drug intermediates. CSIR-IIIM’s partnership with JK Aroma is focused on animal studies on herbal products to provide scientific validation for traditional knowledge. In contrast, the MoU with Hindustan Essential Oils Co. Pvt. Ltd (HEOPCL) is for extending Aromatic crops, which would benefit farmers. It is pertinent to note that CSIR-IIIM’s efforts towards extending aromatic crops, such as lavender, have changed the economic landscape of Bhaderwah by fostering various agri-startups.
Er Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & RMBD&IST Division, presented the formal vote of thanks.
