LUCKNOW / NEW DELHI — Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has dedicated the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute’s (CSIR-NBRI) maiden ‘Eco-Educational Hub’—titled Prakriti Gyan Dham—to the nation at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre in Banthra, Lucknow.
Calling for research institutions to bridge the gap between laboratories and livelihoods, the Minister emphasized integrating inter-ministerial scientific efforts and leveraging digital platforms to take botanical innovations directly to farmers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.
Key Highlights
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Interactive Heritage Trails: Features PAaVan Path and the Indian Heritage Garden, housing living clones of historically significant flora—including Prayagraj’s Patalpuri Banyan and Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Mango Tree—integrated with QR-code audio guides.
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Specialized Conservation Zones: Incorporates the Bamboosteum (housing 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species), Vibhav Enclave (threatened plant species), and Bhairav Enclave (official state flora of Indian States/UTs).
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Commercial Technology Transfers: Licensed plant-based formulations—including an anti-dandruff oil, lotus-inspired perfumes, and herbal nano serum—to Kerala’s Kudumbashree Mission to boost women-led entrepreneurship, alongside transferring a low-cost photobioreactor technology to Witwake Solutions.
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Industry & Healthcare Formulations: Formally launched a newly developed herbal formulation for male reproductive health, created in collaboration with Himalaya.

