Jammu, Mar 16: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, on Saturday forged partnerships 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) by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in a ceremony graced by 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.
Dr Jitendra Singh commended IIIM’s collaborative efforts with industries and agri-entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of such partnerships in driving innovation and economic growth in the region. He hailed the exchange of MOUs as a catalyst for mutually beneficial partnerships that foster innovation, economic development, and societal impact. Highlighting CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to research and technology advancement, he praised the institute’s efforts in fostering partnerships ranging from industry to government, promoting societal impact and agri-entrepreneurship. The union minister expressed satisfaction over the transformation of lavender farmers into industrialists, contributing to local employment generation.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, underscored the institute’s commitment to inclusive economic development through societal mission programs and activities with national developmental impact. He elucidated the scope of the MOUs, emphasizing collaborative efforts in lavender plantation along NH 44, API synthesis, herbal product validation, and extension of aromatic crops, contributing to sustainable environmental practices and economic empowerment.
According to the statement, the MOUs aim to:
Collaborate with NHAI: Conduct lavender plantation on NH 44, fostering sustainable environmental practices and advancing highway infrastructure development.
Partner with Anphar Laboratories: Develop methods for API synthesis, key starting material, and drug intermediates.
Engage with JK Aroma: Conduct animal studies on herbal products to provide scientific validation for traditional knowledge.
Extend partnership with HEOPCL: Extend aromatic crop cultivation, benefiting farmers and fostering agri-startups.
Key participants in the MOUs signing ceremony included representatives from NHAI, Anphar Laboratories, HEOPCL, and JK Aroma, along with the scientific, technical, and administrative heads of CSIR-IIIM. Dr Deepika Singh conducted the proceedings, and Er Abdul Rahim presented the formal vote of thanks.
