Uniting for a greener tomorrow: Experts discuss Himalayan bioresource conservation

The two-day National Symposium on Sustainable Development and Conservation of Himalayan Bioresources through a Multidisciplinary Approach, organised by the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), concluded on Thursday, drawing more than a hundred participants from across the country.

The event, driven largely by students and held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, opened with an address by Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT. He welcomed the delegates and highlighted the institute’s recent initiatives in conservation, value addition and bio-prospection of Himalayan resources to strengthen the bio-economy.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr Rakesh Sehgal from NIT Hamirpur praised IHBT for hosting the symposium and stressed the importance of collaborative, future-oriented research. Dr PK Joshi, senior scientist at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, shared insights into the use of sensor-based imaging technologies for mapping bioresources and conducting temporal analysis.

Over four technical sessions, experts deliberated on diverse aspects of Himalayan biodiversity. Dr CP Kala from the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, spoke on alpine meadows and the ecological role of grazing, while Dr VK Purohit of the High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Uttarakhand, underlined the importance of high-altitude medicinal plants. Lalit Avhad of Rise N Shine Biotech, Maharashtra, explored biotechnological applications in plant sciences. In another session, Dr PK Verma of JNU focused on cellular and molecular biology for resource conservation, while Dr Mohar Singh from the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Shimla, emphasised the value of genetic resources for future development.

The discussions continued with Dr PS Panesar of Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Punjab, reflecting on emerging research in food sciences, followed by Dr S Jachak of NIPER, Punjab, who addressed the gathering online and spoke on phyto-pharmaceuticals and natural products. Alongside expert talks, students made 15 oral presentations and showcased 57 posters, making the symposium a vibrant platform for young researchers.

On the occasion, IHBT signed two technology transfer agreements — one with Tashvika India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, and the other with Mahalaxmi Malt Products Pvt Ltd, Haryana — in the field of value-added food products. An exhibition displaying products developed from IHBT’s transferred technologies was also organised.

The symposium concluded with the felicitation of winners of various competitions, including photography, videography, presentations, posters and memes, adding a creative dimension to the scientific exchange.