The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur (HP), organised a one-day workshop titled “Bioeconomy from the Himalayas: Linking Labs, Land and Industry” in its premises on 10 April 2026.
Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director CSIR-IHBT, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and guests. He apprised them about the activities of the institute and how they are contributing to the development of the bioeconomy in the Himalayan region. He also emphasised various mission programmes of the institute that are directly contributing to the masses and their well-being.
Dr Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharati, was the Chief Guest of the programme. He spoke about the rich legacy of the county and the need for revitalising our heritage and its outreach.
Dr Som Dev Bharadwaj, Former Head, Research Unit, Cancer Hospital & Research Division, Gwalior and Dr Narmada Prasad Shukla, Former Chairman, MP Pollution Control Board, were the Guests of Honour. Dr Som Dev spoke about belongingness and establishing linkages with nature for environmental consciousness. Dr Shukla emphasised the need for conserving biodiversity and tackling the issue of climate change, which is impacting one and all.
During the programme, a memorandum of understanding, under the Smart Village Mission, was signed with CNG Agro Care Private Limited, Kolkata. Two material transfer agreements were signed with M/s Nishant Biotech, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Also, two technology transfer agreements, one each with M/s Indiyum Foods Pvt Ltd and M/s Bhikhta Biotech, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, were signed.
The occasion saw the release of a brochure on the Rose Scented Geranium variety, while seeds of aromatic marigold were distributed to the farmers. The workshop brought farmers, experts, scientists, and industrialists on a common platform and provided a forum for discussion, in addition to expert talks. An exhibition showcasing bio-based technologies developed by the institute was also put up. More than 150 participants joined the workshop.
