Excelsior Correspondent
PALAMPUR, May 28 : Underlining the value of India’s unexplored “Himalayan Economy”, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that the Himalayan economy is set to become a major contributor to India’s future growth.
The Minister said the next phase of India’s economic expansion will increasingly emerge from sectors and resources that remained underexplored for decades, particularly in the Himalayan region.
Addressing the programme at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, focused scientific interventions in Himalayan sectors received unprecedented momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi through initiatives such as the Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, which are generating livelihood opportunities for farmers, women, youth, start-ups and entrepreneurs across Himalayan states and Union Territories.
The Tulip flowers from this same institute were part of the offering made by PM Narendra Modi during the “Pran Pratishtha” prayers at Ayodhya, the Minister recalled.
Dr. Jitendra Singh visited various facilities of the institute and interacted with scientists, innovators, farmers, start-ups and entrepreneurs associated with different Himalayan technology missions being carried out by CSIR-IHBT. He said the institute is playing a vital role in transforming Himalayan bioresources into commercially viable products and technologies for sectors such as medicine, wellness, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, floriculture and agri-biotechnology.
The programme was attended by Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, senior scientists and officials of CSIR-IHBT, besides representatives from industry, academia, farming communities and research institutions.
Describing CSIR-IHBT as a unique scientific institution integrating multiple dimensions of Himalayan biodiversity, traditional knowledge and commercial innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the institute has emerged as one of the country’s leading centres for sustainable utilization of Himalayan bioresources. He said the institute’s work spans diverse areas including agrotechnology, biotechnology, environmental sciences, nutrition technologies, phytopharmaceuticals and fermentation technologies.
Referring to the success of the Aroma Mission, the Minister said Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the country’s leading producer of aromatic wild marigold oil, generating substantial income for farmers and entrepreneurs. He said the institute has expanded aromatic crop cultivation across several states and Union Territories while also developing improved varieties of lavender and chamomile suited to Himalayan conditions.
Highlighting the impact of the Floriculture Mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh said CSIR-IHBT has helped transform floriculture into an important source of livelihood and agri-tourism in Himalayan regions. He referred to Himachal Pradesh’s Tulip Garden initiative developed with bulbs cultivated by local farmers, which attracted over 1.5 lakh visitors this year. He said floriculture activities supported by the institute are benefiting thousands of farmers across Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana.
The Minister also referred to the institute’s contribution towards import substitution under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through cultivation of Heeng (asafoetida), saffron, cinnamon and monk fruit. He said successful flowering and seed production of Heeng in the high-altitude regions of Lahaul and Spiti has opened new possibilities for indigenous cultivation of the crop in India.
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