CSIR-IHBT, Chamba DC ink pact for tech projects

Our Correspondent

Palampur, February 20

The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, and Chamba Deputy Commissioner DC Rana through the coordination of various line departments, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to take up various new technology projects in the district.

Earlier, the major challenges faced by the Chamba region were discussed at a meeting headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, and the Deputy Commissioner.

Chander Vir Singh, Project Officer, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA); Sushil Awasthi, Deputy Director of Horticulture; Rahul Katoch, Deputy Director of Agriculture; and scientists from the CSIR-IHBT participated in the meeting.

As per the MOU, the projects to be taken up include the cultivation and value-addition of economic plants for crop diversification. The capacity-building and skill development of prospective farmers’ groups, community-based organisations (CBOs) to be taken through self-help groups, including federations, clusters farmer producer groups, cooperatives and other stakeholders in the area of agro-technologies.

Besides, the integration of apiculture (improved beehive) with floriculture and aromatic crops for the enhancement of livelihood and additional income generation will also be encouraged. A new project hydroponics/aeroponics technology in the targeted development blocks of Chamba district will also be started.

The CSIR will help farmers in food processing technologies for agri-horticulture crops and preventing glutting of crops, enhancing value and economic returns to farmers, and developing novel products of0 global standards.

Both institutions also approved the detailed project proposal and action plan for “sustainable livelihood generation” through CSIR-IHBT technologies in Chamba.