The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur (HP), celebrated its 43rd foundation day on 2 July 2025 with fervour and gaiety. Dr VK Paul, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India, was the Chief Guest of the function. He complimented the institute on its glorious journey and presented his views on the importance of bioresources and livelihood. He noted that they have the potential to revolutionise socio-economy and emphasised the NITI Aayog’s initiatives and their implications, especially in the Himalaya. He further discussed Women health and malnutrition. 

Dr Paul stated that Science & Technology is a key pillar to Viksit Bharat and exhorted the gathering to rise to the occasion in making India a global leader. He wished the institute the very best in its endeavours. 

Dr TR Sharma, National Professor and Former DDG ICAR, delivered the foundation day lecture. He emphasised the natural wealth of the Himalaya and shared his insights on rice breeding towards blast resistance and its implications for society, food security, ecology and economy.

Dr Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO of NMPB, delivered the keynote address online, wherein he stressed the diversity of medicinal plants in the Himalaya and the role of NMPB. He also emphasised the promotion, conservation and management of rare and threatened plants.

Dr AK Tripathi, Director, IISER Mohali, the Guest of Honour, stated that science has played a major role in shaping civilisation and forms the basis of societal growth. He highlighted the role of CSIR Aroma mission in local empowerment and establishing a science-society connection. 

Prior to these, Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the guests and presented the activities of the institute and how it is boosting bioeconomy, particularly in the Himalayan region. He detailed the floriculture, aroma and millet mission and the benefits that have flowed to society.

On the occasion, the institute signed two Memoranda of Understanding, one with Tripura University, Tripura and the other with Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Ghaziabad. Also, technology transfer agreements were signed with Suraj Shree Chemicals Ltd, New Delhi; Himalaya Apiaries, Una; and HP Phytopulse, Palampur. An agreement with Plant Hub Biotech Pvt. Ltd, Solan (HP) was also signed.

The programme saw the release of the CSIR-IHBT Annual Report 2024-25; books on Economic impact analysis of CSIR-IHBT Technologies, Potential crops for the herbal sector, and a brochure on low chilling varieties of apples. A video and a brochure on the newly implemented CSIR Mission on “Bioresource Conservation and Prospection” were also launched.

The programme also witnessed the inauguration of the two-day Herbal Stakeholder Meet being organised by the institute and the release of its souvenir. The meet has three sessions and address by experts.

Also, monk fruit germplasm resource centre and rose demonstration plots were inaugurated as a part of the foundation day celebrations. The celebrations were attended by the farmers, academicians, industrialists, scientists, students and others.