JAMMU: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, celebrated World Bioproduct Day today with a simple yet impactful event aimed at promoting awareness of bioproducts and their role in sustainable development.

The event brought together scientists, students, startups, and key stakeholders to highlight the critical importance of bioproducts in achieving a cleaner, greener, and more economically vibrant future.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, emphasized the national importance of the BioE³ Policy-Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. He noted that the policy provides a strategic framework for advancing high-performance biomanufacturing and scaling up bio-based innovations across India.

Dr. Ahmed highlighted the unique advantage of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region as a biodiversity hotspot-often referred to as the ‘Bio-mass State of India' due to its rich reservoir of medicinal, aromatic, floral, and microbial biodiversity. "With sub-tropical zones in Jammu, temperate zones in Kashmir, and cold deserts in Ladakh, this region offers immense potential for bio-based innovations," he said.

A key moment of the event was the BioE³ Pledge, led by Dr. Ahmed, where attendees including scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and media representatives committed to supporting sustainable bioproduct development. Dr. Ahmed reaffirmed CSIR-IIIM's continued support for innovation through its Bio-Incubation Centre, mentorship network, and robust innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Saurabh Saran, In-Charge, IIIM-Technology Business Incubator (TBI), outlined the vision of the BioE³ policy and CSIR-IIIM's thematic focus areas, including Aroma Mission, Phytopharmaceuticals, and livelihood-linked innovations. He noted that over 125 startups have been incubated through CSIR-IIIM's TBI platform, resulting in the development and commercialization of more than 20 bioproducts.

A major highlight of the day was the launch of a new honey product by CSIR-IIIM incubatee and entrepreneur Aditya Sumbriya, founder of M/s Pahadi Amrit. Sharing his startup's journey "from the Himalayas to national markets", MSumbriya showcased how the venture sources honey and natural products from the Himalayan belt while adhering to CSIR-IIIM's stringent quality and standardization protocols.

Today, Pahadi Amrit distributes its products both across India and internationally.
The event reinforced CSIR-IIIM Jammu's leadership in the bioproduct domain and its strong commitment to the BioE³ mission, aimed at catalyzing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment generation through biotechnological innovation.

Organized under the patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, the event was held under the overall supervision of Er. Abdul Rahim.

The inaugural session proceedings were conducted by Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, while Dr. Suphal B. Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist and Nodal, Aroma Mission, delivered the formal vote of thanks.

The program was graced by several eminent scientists, including Dr. Dheeraj Vyas, Sr. Principal Scientist & Head, PMC; Dr. Naveed Qazi, Sr. Principal Scientist & Head, NPC; and Dr. Raj Kishore, Sr. Scientist & Head, QMI Division, Dr Shashank Singh, Sr. Pri. Scientist and many Senior Scientists and Students.