Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Government of India, visited the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, where she interacted with the staff and students. She praised the institute for its pioneering research and its far-reaching impact on science and society. Encouraging collaboration, she urged everyone to work together to meet the nation’s aspirations and contribute toward a self-reliant Bharat.
As part of her three-day visit, Dr Kalaiselvi also travelled to Una district, where she inaugurated the RJ Saints Stevia Processing Plant at Singha. Developed with CSIR-IHBT’s technical support, the plant is dedicated to processing stevia, a natural, low-calorie sweetener beneficial for diabetics. She also visited stevia farms and aroma clusters at Chowki Maniar, where farmers are cultivating aromatic plants under CSIR Aroma Mission Phase III. Engaging with local farmers and stakeholders, she expressed keen interest in their work and discussed the broader impact of these initiatives on rural livelihoods.
Welcoming Dr Kalaiselvi, CSIR-IHBT Director Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav briefed her on the institute’s various research initiatives and innovations. The visit marked an important engagement, highlighting the contributions of CSIR-IHBT in bioresource technology and sustainable development.
Reflecting on her visit, Dr Kalaiselvi shared that she had gained valuable insights and looked forward to returning to the region soon.
