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MARCH 21: In a landmark move aimed at enhancing industry-academia collaboration, the CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/S HAPICO Industries Private Limited on March 20, 2025. The primary goal of this partnership is to jointly develop novel, sustainable biopesticides that can mitigate the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on both human health and the environment.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, and Mr. Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director of HAPICO Industries, in the presence of senior officials, including Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist & Head of the FMB Division, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist at FMB, and Dr. Love Sharma, Scientist at RMBD&IST. This collaboration represents a significant step in leveraging the scientific expertise and advanced technological infrastructure of CSIR-IIIM to create innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural practices.
The partnership focuses on the rich biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants found in the region, aiming to harness their potential for developing eco-friendly and effective biopesticide solutions. With increasing global concerns over the environmental and health impacts of chemical pesticides, this collaboration presents a promising alternative for sustainable farming practices that protect both the ecosystem and public health.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, reaffirmed CSIR-IIIM’s commitment to a translational and sustainable approach in biopesticide development. He highlighted the importance of providing an industrial interface for the technologies that emerge from this collaboration, ensuring that farmers across the country can directly benefit from the innovations developed. He expressed confidence that the project objectives would be met within the stipulated timeline, given CSIR-IIIM’s advanced capabilities in fermentation and microbial technology.
Mr. Shabeer Ahmed, Managing Director of HAPICO Industries, emphasized that this collaboration is a strategic initiative for his company. He noted that by leveraging the scientific expertise of CSIR-IIIM, HAPICO aims to expand its product portfolio and develop innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving demands of the agricultural market.
Dr. Asha Chaubey, Head of the FMB Division, elaborated on the technical aspects of the collaboration, focusing on the formulation of a biopesticide derived from a potent indigenous microbial strain identified by CSIR-IIIM. This microbial strain will be key in developing biopesticides that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
The MoU signing ceremony was organized by the RMBD&IST and FMB Divisions, under the supervision of Er Abdul Rahim, Head of RMBD&IST, and the patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.