CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu today entered into understanding with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Anphar Laboratories (P) Limited, JK Aroma Farmers Producer Cooperative Limited and Himalayan Essential Oils Producer Company Limited (HEOPCL) and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with them in which Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Vice President CSIR, today was the chief guest. Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded IIIM’s efforts for its new initiatives to jointly work with industries and agri-entrepreneurs, and also emphasized the importance of such collaborations between Institutions, public sector enterprises, and private companies, in driving innovation and economic growth, in the region. He said that the exchange of MoUs marked the beginning of mutually beneficial partnerships fostering innovation, economic development, and societal impact. He highlighted CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to advancing research and technology to address the evolving needs of society and industry.

He credited the Institute with signing MOUs with different institutions ranging from Industry to government and also featuring societal and agri-entrepreneurship. He expressed his satisfaction that throughout that last one decade farmers who were reluctant to grow lavender, have now became industrialists and are in a position to provide employment to others.He also appreciated Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and his entire team for supporting Jammu and Kashmir’s economic progress through technology and finance. Earlier, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, in his welcome address, mentioned that CSIR-IIIM, Jammu besides doing cutting edge science is equaling involved in the societal mission programmes and activities having national developmental impact. “Today’s signing of MOUs among CSIR-IIIM, NHAI, Industry and Agri-entrepreneurs is a testimony to the Institute’s resolve to work for inclusive economic development, and support products development through strong collaboration with the industry” he added.

Further, he gave a detailed account of the scope of MOUs signed today. With the NHAI, the Institute is collaborating to carry out lavender plantation on NH 44 from Ramban to Banihal, aimed at sustainable environmental practices and advancing highway infrastructure development. In another MoU, signed between CSIR-IIIM and ANPHAR Laboratories (P) Limited, the emphasis is on developing methods for API synthesis, key starting material and drug intermediates. CSIR-IIIM’s partnership with JK AROMA is focused on carrying out animal studies on herbal products to provide scientific validation for traditional knowledge whereas the MoU with Hindustan Essential Oils Co. Pvt. Ltd. (HEOPCL) is for the extension of Aromatic crops, which would also provide benefits to farmers. It is pertinent to note that CSIR-IIIM’s efforts towards the extension of aromatic crops, such as Lavender, have changed the economic landscape of Bhaderwah, through fostering of various agri-startups.Among others who were participated in today’s MOUs signing ceremony included P. Siva Sankar, serving as the Regional Officer of NHAI, Anil Gupta, the Managing Director of Anphar Laboratories Pvt Ltd, Bharat Bhushan, Chairman of HEOPCL, and Touqeer Bagban, Founder Director of JK Aroma, Scientific, Technical and Administrative Heads of CSIR-IIIM. Dr. Deepika Singh, Principal Scientist conducted the proceedings and Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & RMBD&IST Division, presented the formal vote of thanks.