The Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Vice President, CSIR, Dr Jitendra Singh, visited the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur on 28 May 2026 to review its progress. Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, was also present on the occasion.

Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the dignitaries and the guests. He apprised the work and activities being carried out by the institute and briefed about the Aroma and Floriculture Missions and how they are leading to the improvement of the local economy and ecology.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr N Kalaiselvi emphasised the recent initiatives and technological achievements of the CSIR. She also highlighted the role of CSIR-IHBT in boosting the bioeconomy through high-end science. Dr Kalaiselvi lauded the contributions of the institute and wished it grand success in its upcoming endeavours.

In his presidential address, Dr Jitendra Singh complimented the institute on its scientific pursuits. He admired the institute for its path-breaking work on Stevia and Tulip and in the promotion of start-ups. He highlighted that the institute has the potential to be the torchbearer of the Himalayan Economy and should strive towards it with an ultimate aim of Viksit Bharat. The Hon’ble Minister emphasised that science is for society and its outputs should reach the masses. On the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister visited the exhibition showcasing products based on technologies developed by the institute. For awareness, the Hon’ble Minister took photographs at the Selfie point of the institute and participated in the efforts being made by the institute towards indigenous Hing production.

During the programme, signing of technology transfer agreements with M/s Chandigarh Sweets Limited, Mohali; E-Hemp Stores Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi; Praarabdh Society, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh; M/s Kannav Biocreations Pvt. Ltd, Una, Himachal Pradesh; M/s Krishi Rasayan Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata; and Parwaaz Organics, Jalandhar, Punjab were done. One MoU was also signed with Himalayan Women, Awareness & Livelihood (HIMWAL) Society, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.