IHBT is paving the way for self-reliant Himachal through scientific research, startups and organic products.
Science and innovation are gaining new momentum under the leadership of Dr Jitendra Singh: Suresh Kashyap
Shimla, May 29, 2026
Former state BJP president and MP Suresh Kashyap, while welcoming the visit of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh to CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) at Palampur, said that this institute has the potential to give a new direction to the economy of not only Himachal Pradesh but the entire Himalayan region.
Suresh Kashyap said that the appreciation of CSIR-IHBT’s scientific achievements, research work, startups and indigenous product development by Dr Jitendra Singh shows that the Central Government is giving priority to science and innovation based development keeping in mind the special needs of the Himalayan states.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly advancing in the fields of science, research, and innovation. Institutions like CSIR-IHBT have emerged as key centers of this transformation, transforming local resources into global opportunities.
Suresh Kashyap said that IHBT is providing new opportunities to farmers, gardeners, and youth through its Aroma Mission, floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, biotechnology, and agriculture-based research. This is not only increasing farmers’ incomes but also promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship.
He specifically described the 12 technology transfer agreements as a significant achievement for Himachal Pradesh and the country, saying they will directly benefit industries, farmers, and citizens from technologies developed in research laboratories. This is a significant step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “lab to land” and “lab to market.”
Suresh Kashyap stated that Himachal Pradesh has immense natural and biological resources, and that growing collaboration between scientific institutions and industry will propel the state’s economy to new heights. He added that the research work being conducted by IHBT will prove to be a strong pillar of the Himalayan economy in the future.
Congratulating Dr Jitendra Singh, CSIR and IHBT scientists, he said that with the support of the Central Government, Himachal Pradesh is strengthening its identity among the leading states of the country in the field of science, research, organic farming, startups and innovation.
Suresh Kashyap expressed confidence that in the coming years, IHBT will become a major hub of opportunities for farmers, youth, researchers and entrepreneurs of the Himalayan region and will make a significant contribution in building a developed India.
