Lucknow: Scientific institutions must move beyond laboratories and develop solutions that directly benefit society, Union minister of state for science and technology Jitendra Singh said on Saturday while dedicating NBRI’s Eco-Educational Hub, Prakriti Gyan Dham, at Banthra to the nation.Singh said the facility would link science, sustainability and public participation while helping preserve India’s botanical heritage. He called for greater collaboration among institutions under the ministry and joint programmes to promote scientific awareness.Singh stressed the need to combine traditional knowledge with modern technology to address environmental and climate challenges. He praised NBRI for developing plant-based technologies and products for farmers, industry and the public.Singh released a documentary on India’s heritage gardens during the programme. NBRI also launched a herbal formulation for male reproductive health developed with Himalaya.Four plant-based technologies, including herbal anti-dandruff hair care oil, lotus-inspired perfume, Rudra perfume and herbal nano serum, were transferred to Kerala’s Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission to support women-led enterprises.NBRI director Zabeer Ahmed said the hub was conceived as a living repository of India’s botanical diversity.The event was attended by GN Singh, advisor (Health) to UP CM, Ajit Kumar Shasany,, VC of Central University of Odisha.Bioresource centre to promote eco eduDeveloped by the National Botanical Research Institute at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre, the hub will promote environmental education, biodiversity conservation and experiential learning. It will offer students, researchers and nature enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about India’s plant diversity. A QR-based system provides visitors scientific, historical and cultural information about plants. Nature trails and eco-friendly electric vehicle transport have also been introduced.
