Union Minister Jitendra Singh Flags Himalayan Bioeconomy as Key Driver for Viksit Bharat 2047

<h3>Overview</h3> <p><strong>Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science &amp; Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh</strong> addressed the National Technology Day at <span class="key-term" data-definition="CSIR‑Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR‑IHBT) — A premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research focusing on sustainable utilization of Himalayan biodiversity (GS3: Economy)">CSIR‑IHBT</span>, Palampur. He said the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Himalayan bioresources — Biological resources such as plants, microbes and ecosystems found in the Himalayan region, considered largely untapped for economic use (GS3: Economy, GS4: Ethics)">Himalayan bioresources</span> will become a major engine of growth as India moves toward the vision of <strong>Viksit Bharat 2047</strong>.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Science‑led interventions in the Himalayas are gaining unprecedented momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</li> <li>Implementation of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Aroma Mission — A government initiative to promote cultivation of aromatic crops like wild marigold in the Himalayas, creating livelihood opportunities (GS3: Economy)">Aroma Mission</span> has made Himachal Pradesh the leading producer of wild marigold oil, generating substantial income for farmers.</li> <li>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Floriculture Mission — A scheme aimed at developing flower cultivation and related tourism in Himalayan states, boosting farmer incomes (GS3: Economy)">Floriculture Mission</span> has transformed flower cultivation into a livelihood source; the Tulip Garden in Himachal attracted over <strong>1.5 lakh</strong> visitors this year.</li> <li>Under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Atmanirbhar Bharat — ‘Self‑reliant India’ policy framework encouraging domestic production and import substitution across sectors (GS3: Economy)">Atmanirbhar Bharat</span> drive, indigenous crops such as Heeng (asafoetida), saffron, cinnamon and monk fruit are being cultivated in high‑altitude zones.</li> <li>New fortified nutritional products for <span class="key-term" data-definition="POSHAN Abhiyaan — The National Nutrition Mission targeting reduction of malnutrition among children, women and adolescent girls (GS3: Economy, GS4: Ethics)">POSHAN Abhiyaan</span> and lifestyle‑disorder formulations have been developed.</li> <li>Advanced <span class="key-term" data-definition="Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Computer systems that mimic human intelligence, used here for precision agriculture and biodiversity research (GS3: Economy)">Artificial Intelligence</span>, genomics and drone‑based precision agriculture are being applied for crop improvement, disease prediction and biodiversity monitoring.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <ul> <li><span class="key-term" data-definition="CSIR‑Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR‑IHBT) — A premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research focusing on sustainable utilization of Himalayan biodiversity (GS3: Economy)">CSIR‑IHBT</span> integrates Himalayan biodiversity, traditional knowledge and commercial innovation across agrotechnology, biotechnology, environmental sciences, nutrition, phytopharmaceuticals and fermentation.</li> <li>The Aroma Mission has expanded aromatic crop cultivation to several states and Union Territories and has released improved varieties of lavender and chamomile suited to Himalayan conditions.</li> <li>Floriculture activities supported by the institute benefit thousands of farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana.</li> <li>Successful flowering and seed production of Heeng in Lahaul and Spiti opens the possibility of domestic asafoetida cultivation, reducing imports.</li> <li>AI‑driven models are being used for disease prediction, while drones assist in precision sowing and real‑time monitoring of crop health.</li> </ul> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>The article links directly to <strong>GS3 – Economy</strong> as it showcases a new sector (bio‑economy) that can boost GDP, create jobs and reduce import dependence. It also touches upon <strong>GS4 – Ethics</strong> through sustainable utilization of natural resources and empowerment of marginal farmers. Understanding the role of ministries like the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ministry of Science &amp; Technology — The central government department responsible for formulation and implementation of science and technology policies in India (GS3: Economy)">Ministry of Science &amp; Technology</span>, research bodies such as CSIR‑IHBT, and flagship schemes (Aroma Mission, Floriculture Mission) helps answer questions on government initiatives, regional development and self‑reliance.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Dr. Jitendra Singh urged greater collaboration among scientists, farmers, industry and start‑ups to unlock the Himalayas' untapped potential. Policy support, funding for deep‑tech research, and capacity‑building for local communities will be essential to translate bio‑resources into a robust bio‑economy that aligns with the <strong>Viksit Bharat 2047</strong> vision.</p>