IBSD celebrates National Technology Day, promotes bioresource development
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 11 2024: In connection with observance of National Technology Day, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) hosted a seminar on the topic, "Bio-economy from Bioresources: Promoting Bioresources in NER for Viksit Bharat," spotlighting the critical role of bioresources in fostering sustainable development in Northeast India.

IBSD director professor Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, Director of IBSD, kicked off the event, held at IBSD Imphal, with a welcoming address, illuminating the institute's research and outreach endeavours aimed at advancing bioresource utilisation for bioeconomic development.

He underscored IBSD's exploration of unique bioresources and their potential for product, process, and technology development.

Notably, IBSD is actively documenting Northeast India's bioresources, conducting integrated studies for scientific validation, value addition, and fostering innovations to catalyse industrial growth, thereby bolstering livelihoods and boosting the bioeconomy.

IBSD's pioneering efforts extend to its Phytopharmaceutical Mission of North Eastern Region, which delves into ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological research on medicinal plants.

The institute focuses on cultivation, promotion, value addition, chemical profiling, and the promotion of start-ups specialising in herbal medicinal products.

Moreover, IBSD delves into the microbial riches of Northeast India, exploring diverse ecological niches such as caves, forests, fermented foods, and hot springs.

The institute's unique microbial repository in Imphal houses a vast collection of microbes, promising avenues for drug discovery and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research.

Additionally, IBSD explores the nutraceutical potential and AMR implications of wild edible mushrooms from the region.

IBSD's endeavours also encompass the preservation and promotion of indigenous traditional knowledge associated with Northeast India's fermented foods.

The institute has developed starter culture consortiums and controlled fermentation processes to ensure the production of safe, quality, and healthy products.

Further, IBSD is actively developing rapid diagnostic kits for detecting common fermented food-borne pathogens, further enhancing food safety.

In line with its commitment to community outreach, IBSD conducts various programs targeting farmers, traditional healers, women entrepreneurs, and students, aimed at promoting bioeconomy from bioresources.

The institute has organised international bioresource conclaves and actively participated in global forums such as the G20 event on Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RUG) for "Circular Bio-economy," spotlighting its initiatives for bioresource promotion and bioeconomic development in Northeast India.

The seminar featured distinguished guests such as Prof Vinod Kumar Singh, Prof Krishnan Baskar, Dr G Taru Sharma, and Dr S Yoirentomba, who lauded IBSD's research and outreach initiatives.

They highlighted the potential synergies between IBSD's endeavours and various research and development activities, emphasising the collaborative efforts needed for sustainable bioresource utilisation and economic growth in Northeast India.

The event witnessed participation from scientists, scholars, and staff from IBSD, as well as other institutes, including IBSD centres in Sikkim, Shillong, and Mizoram.

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