:
(a) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) laboratory is functioning
at Palampur in Himachal Pradesh;
(b) the number of scientists working there;
(c) the steps taken by the Government for development of the Himalayan Bio-diversity
in the state of Himachal Pradesh; and
(d) the number of Industrial Units benefited by transfer of technology from Palampur
laboratory of CSIR during the last three years?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND
MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) Yes Sir. The name of the laboratory is Institute of Himalayan Bioresource
Technology, Palampur.
(b) Forty one (41) Scientists are working at the institute.
(c) The institute is playing a pivotal role in development and promotion of tea
industry , cultivation of lavender in Chamba, cultivation of bamboo and export quality
flower. The institute is also engaged in development of databases on bio- resources of
western Himalayas including medicinal plants, traditional food and other economic plants.
In addition the institute has organised 35 training programmes for farmers/rural
entrepreneurs during last three years mainly in the area of biodiversity, biotechnology,
medicinal and aromatic plants and floriculture.
(d) Approximately 20 industries and govt. agencies have benefited from technology
transfer by the laboratory during the last three years. The laboratory has conducted a
number of demonstration-cum-training programmes.