J&K Demonstrating Strong Growth Across Sectors, Key Focus on Commercializing Scientific Innovations: NITI Aayog Member Dr. M Srinivas
SRINAGAR: Acknowledging Jammu and Kashmir’s steady advancement across various development sectors, NITI Aayog Member Dr. M. Srinivas on Friday emphasized that continuous learning from premier national and international best practices remains vital to unlocking the region’s full economic and scientific potential.
Speaking to media persons following an extensive review tour of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) in Srinagar, Dr. Srinivas shared that the NITI Aayog delegation held high-level deliberations with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to assess sector-wide progress and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Dr. Srinivas underscored that NITI Aayog operates on the pillars of cooperative and competitive federalism—actively sharing successful models emerging from Jammu and Kashmir with other states while simultaneously bringing proven national innovations into the Union Territory.
Key Takeaways from CSIR-IIIM & AIC-IIIM Review:
- Translating Lab Research to Market: Dr. Srinivas stressed that basic research in plant sciences and biotechnology must transition smoothly into clinical trials, toxicity studies, and viable commercial healthcare products to benefit society at large.
- Broad Therapeutic Horizons: Commended the institute for expanding its research beyond phytochemicals and aromatic plants into cutting-edge therapeutics for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, tuberculosis, and neurological conditions.
- Startup & Incubation Support: Reviewed the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC-IIIM Bioinnovation Foundation), commending young entrepreneurs engaged in value-added essential oils, functional foods, medicinal mushrooms, and fermentation innovations.
- Biodiversity Preservation: Recognized IIIM’s specialized contributions toward gene banking, preservation of endangered Himalayan flora, and development of high-value nutraceuticals.
The visiting NITI Aayog delegation included Subhash Chandra Meena (Economic Adviser), Dr. Muniraju S.B. (Deputy Adviser), and Sumaya Yousuf (Program Lead, Atal Innovation Mission). The team held comprehensive interactions with researchers, young scholars, and emerging startup founders.
Addressing Regulatory Hurdles in Phytopharmaceuticals
Earlier, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, welcomed the delegation and outlined the institute’s initiatives connecting laboratory research with grassroots agrarian livelihoods through platforms like TBI-IIIM, AIC-IIIM, and Industrial Biotechnology Parks (IBTPs).
Dr. Ahmed drew attention to critical industry challenges, particularly the requirement for timely research clearances and the necessity of establishing scheduled phytopharmaceutical drug manufacturing infrastructure in India to advance clinical trials for cannabis and plant-based therapeutics. In response, Dr. Srinivas assured that these regulatory and infrastructural concerns would be reviewed at the highest policy levels.
Grassroots Societal Impact Missions:
- Technology Business Incubator (TBI-IIIM): Dr. Saurabh Saran (Scientist-F) presented the role of TBI-IIIM in mentoring early-stage biotech innovators into viable enterprises.
- Floriculture Mission: Dr. Shahid Rasool (Scientist-E) detailed initiatives empowering local farmers with modern cultivation and commercial crop processing techniques.
- Aroma Mission: Dr. Suphla Gupta (Scientist-F) highlighted advancements in essential oil extraction, farm-to-industry supply chains, and high-value aromatic crop cultivation.
The institutional visit concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Shahid Jibran, Chief Executive Officer of the AIC-IIIM Bioinnovation Foundation.
