Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, unveiled the “Namoh 108” lotus variety developed by CSIR-NBRI with 108 petals. Recognizing its religious and symbolic significance, the lotus blooms from March to December and boasts a fully sequenced genome. The launch also introduced lotus-based products, including ‘Frotus’ perfume and apparel made from lotus fiber.
The minister inaugurated the Lotus Mission, which focuses on holistic advancements like the Aroma Mission and various priority schemes. Other releases included herbal colors from temple offerings, ‘NBRI-Nihar’ Aloe vera variety, and a Database of Raw Drug Repositories.
What to study for prelims?
- CSIR-NBRI: The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute is a premier R&D center located in Lucknow. It specializes in plant-based multidisciplinary research, as demonstrated by its pioneering “Namoh 108” lotus variety with 108 petals.
- Lotus Mission: An initiative launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, this project mirrors the success of the Aroma Mission. It aims to progress holistic advancements in various sectors, fostering development much like other priority schemes in India.
- Aroma Mission: A previously successful project that paved the way for initiatives like the Lotus Mission. It highlights the government’s commitment to launching schemes that have tangible and lasting impacts.
- NBRI-Nihar Aloe Vera: A novel variety of Aloe vera named ‘NBRI-Nihar’ with higher gel yield and disease resistance. This clonal selection showcases innovation in agricultural research and addresses practical needs.
- CSIR-NBRI Digital Herbarium: A repository of Indian flora specimens, made accessible to the public for easy information dissemination. This digital resource showcases the diversity of plant life in India.
- Nutra-Central Original Byproducts: A theme-based exhibition demonstrating CSIR-NBRI’s cutting-edge research, products, technologies, and facilities. This event, spanning six days, offers stakeholders insights into the institute’s achievements.
