Shillong July 28: Union Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, on Saturday inaugurated the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at 6th Miles Upper Shillong.

IBSD is  a National Institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and its main mandate is conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources for socio-economic development of the Northeast region.

Addressing a large gathering of academicians, scientists, students, farmers, entrepreneurs and unemployed youth, Vardhan said that IBSD would provide a platform for bio-based entrepreneurship not only for the state of Meghalaya but can serve as the hub for the entire North-eastern region.

Minister for Urban Affairs and Information Technology, Hamletson Dohling, who also represents Mylliem constituency where the Centre is located, expressed his happiness at the setting up of this facility and assured that IBSD’s requirements would be taken up by the State government.

Dohling said that Meghalaya is rich in bio-resources and has a vast potential to contribute to the nation, and called for judicious harness of the bio-resources since sustainable development is being seen as the only way forward to pass on a secured future to the next generations.

He called upon all stakeholders to work together with the institute to protect and preserve the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya by creating awareness on various issues endangering the environment.

Dohling also urged the institute to adopt certain action plan to develop the bio-resources of the state as a measure for sustainable use of resources and develop local specific biotechnological intervention on the unique bio-resources of the state to enhance farmer productivity and generate employment opportunities.

IBSD director, Dinabandhu Sahoo said that IBSD Meghalaya has been set up to identify the unique bio resources of the State to boost the bio-economy and promote bio-entrepreneurship for the benefit of the entrepreneurs and unemployed youth of the region.

Sahoo also said that IBSD can catalyze the formation of a cluster with all the research and academic institutions of the State to develop bio-based enterprises and boost the green economy.

The inaugural function was attended by academicians, scientists,  government officers, students, entrepreneurs, farmers and unemployed youth.