Lucknow: CSIR- National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow celebrated its 72ndAnnual Day on 03 November 2025.The event was graced by Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, Founder, Honey Bee Network & Former Professor, IIM Ahmedabad, who also delivered the Annual Day Lecture on Bio-entrepreneurial choices for aspirational communities: towards ethical & responsible science as the Chief Guest of the function.Dr. Mahesh G Thakkar, Director, BSIP graced the occasion as esteemed guest on the occasion.
On this occasion, the institute’s Annual Report for the year 2024-25 was released by the dignitaries. Director Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany presented the annual progress report andhighlighted some of the major achievements made by the Institute during the reporting period. A few of them are as follows:
- World’s First GM Cotton Resistant to Pink Bollworm
The Institute achieved a global breakthrough by developing Pink Bollworm-resistant GM cotton, licensed to Ankur Seeds Pvt. Ltd., earning ₹4 crore — the highest-ever licensing revenue in India’s agri-biotech sector.
- Expanding India’s Plant Biodiversity Record
Scientists described 19 new lichen species, recorded 38 new distributional species, and discovered new flowering plants like Impatiens linnaei and Emblica chakrabartyi.
- Modern Validation of Traditional Medicine
Research on Coptisteeta extracts validated its efficacy in treating gout and urolithiasis, supporting the phytopharmaceutical product URO 05 and strengthening evidence-based Ayurveda.
- Eco-friendly Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture
Developed biochar-based arsenic remediation, microbial-assisted pollution control, and eco-safe growth enhancers for cleaner soils and sustainable crop productivity.
- New Ornamental Varieties and Genetic Insights
Released four new chrysanthemum varieties—Stuti, Saraswati, Jagannath, and Padma—and identified elite linseed and cotton accessions for drought resilience and yield improvement.
- Conservation and Livelihood Impact
Rediscovered Swertia wattii after 138 years and established the Heritage Tree Garden and Tulsi Garden; farmer outreach under CSIR Aroma and Floriculture Missions promoted green livelihoods.
- Technology Transfer and Circular Bioeconomy
Transferred 13 green technologies to industry, including Herbal Gulal, Sindoor, Shiv Bhabhut from temple flowers, and lotus-based products, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening Research and Global Collaborations
Published 189 SCI papers (Impact Factor 638.2), filed five patents, launched 23 new projects, and signed 29 national and international collaborations with academia and industry.
- Driving the Vision of “Viksit Bharat”
With innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity at its core, CSIR–NBRI continues to advance “Science for the Service of Society”—empowering farmers, industries, and a sustainable India.
Prof. AK Gupta, chief guest of the functioncongratulated all the staff on the occasion of 72nd Annual Day of the institute and praised the Institute’s scientific activities, particularly initiatives for accelerated research and development programmes aimed at adding value to traditional knowledge. Prof. Gupta presented his views on topics such as creating a network of research scholars from universities across the country, properly harnessing the country’s biodiversity, especially untapped and wasted plant resources, adding value through research on underutilized or unknown weeds, and promoting bio-entrepreneurship.
Dr. Mahesh G Thakkar, Director, BSIP discussed the collaboration between BSIP and NBRI and expressed confidence that there is a strong potential for both the institutes to jointly conduct research on present and past plant diversity.
On the occasion, the dignitaries also felicitated the scientists of each R&D area of the institute with Prof. KN Kaul Best Research Paper Certificate for securing highest impact factor research publication in respective R&D Division.
Two MoUs were signed and exchanged between CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, and its partners to strengthen collaborative research. The first MoU was signed with the Birbal Sahani Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, for joint R&D initiatives in plant sciences and related interdisciplinary areas. The second MoU was signed with the Prof. HS Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society to promote collaborative research, innovation, and outreach activities in the field of plant biotechnology and environmental sustainability.The newly revamped bilingual website of CSIR-NBRI was also launched by the dignitaries.
In the end, Dr. Vidhu A Sane, Chief Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks.
