Jammu: In a landmark move to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, the CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/S HAPICO Industries Private Limited to jointly develop novel biopesticides. This agreement marks a significant step toward sustainable agricultural practices by addressing the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on human health and the environment.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, and Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director, HAPICO Industries, in the presence of key officials, including Dr Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist & Head, FMB Division; Dr Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist, FMB; and Dr Love Sharma, Scientist, RMBD&IST.
This strategic collaboration seeks to leverage India’s rich biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants to develop innovative biopesticides. CSIR-IIIM, with its advanced fermentation and microbial technology infrastructure, has been at the forefront of research in agricultural solutions, including plant growth-promoting products, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), enzymes, and biocontrol formulations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Zabeer Ahmed reaffirmed CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to translational research and sustainable biopesticide development. “This partnership will facilitate the industrial application of cutting-edge research, ensuring direct benefits for farmers across the country. We are confident in achieving the project’s objectives within the stipulated timeline,” he stated.
Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director of HAPICO Industries, highlighted the collaboration as a strategic initiative to expand the company’s product portfolio while contributing to the sector’s overall growth. “By leveraging CSIR-IIIM’s scientific expertise, HAPICO aims to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that align with evolving market demands,” he emphasized.
Dr Asha Chaubey, Head of the FMB Division, elaborated on the technical aspects of the collaboration, noting that the focus would be on formulating a biopesticide derived from a potent indigenous microbial strain identified by CSIR-IIIM.
The agreement signing ceremony was jointly organized by the RMBD&IST and FMB Divisions, under the overall supervision of Er Abdul Rahim, Head, RMBD&IST Division, and with the patronage of the Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu. The partnership is expected to pave the way for further innovations in biopesticide development, contributing to eco-friendly agricultural advancements and reinforcing India’s position as a leader in sustainable farming solutions.
