New Delhi, May 28 (IANS). Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday said the next phase of India’s economic expansion will emerge from areas and resources that have remained untouched for decades, especially in the Himalayan region.
Addressing the National Technology Day program at the Palampur-based Institute of Himalayan Bio-Resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), he said that as the country moves towards the vision of Developed India 2047, the Himalayan economy is set to become a major contributor to India’s future economic growth.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused scientific interventions in the Himalayan regions have gained unprecedented momentum through initiatives like Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, which are creating livelihood opportunities for farmers, women, youth, startups and entrepreneurs in the Himalayan States and Union Territories.
The minister reminded that the tulip flower from the same institute was part of the offering made by PM Modi during the prayer for consecration in Ayodhya.
He visited various facilities of the institute and interacted with scientists, innovators, farmers, startups and entrepreneurs associated with various Himalayan Technology Missions conducted by CSIR-IHBT.
He said that the institute is playing an important role in transforming Himalayan bio-resources into commercially viable products and technologies for sectors like medicine, health, nutritional products, cosmetics, floriculture and agro-biotechnology.
Describing CSIR-IHBT as a unique scientific institution integrating multiple dimensions of Himalayan biodiversity, traditional knowledge and commercial innovation, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Institute has emerged as one of the country’s leading centers for sustainable utilization of Himalayan bio-resources.
He said that the work of the institute spans across diverse areas including agricultural technology, biotechnology, environmental science, nutrition technology, phytopharmaceuticals and fermentation technology.
Referring to the success of the Aroma Mission, the Minister said that Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the country’s leading producer of aromatic wild marigold oil, thereby generating substantial income for farmers and entrepreneurs.
The Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, scientific institutions are rapidly emerging as instruments of change at the grassroots level by integrating science, innovation and entrepreneurship with rural development and economic empowerment.
–IANS
SAK/DKP
