The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has announced a call for proposals under the "Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme of North Eastern Region." This initiative aims to promote and enhance the rich biodiversity of the North East Region (NER) of India, focusing on translational and transformative research to increase productivity and sustainable utilization of bio-resources. The program encourages scientific collaboration with societal engagement to address region-specific challenges and leverage the unique biological wealth of the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan ecosystems.

Program Overview and Objectives

The Himalayan Bio-resource Mission, launched in 2021, is a flagship program dedicated to advancing research and development in the Himalayan region of Northeast India. The program targets the diverse biodiversity spanning tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, and alpine zones due to the region's altitudinal gradient. Proposals are invited to support innovative projects that create opportunities for increasing agricultural productivity and sustainable resource management in the NER.

Key objectives include:

• Promotion of high-value cash crops through quality planting material generation and captive cultivation.
• Better land utilization strategies to enhance crop yields.
• Exploration and utilization of microbial resources, tapping into the region’s rich invisible biodiversity.
• Value addition of bioresources based on traditional knowledge, including post-harvest management of medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, vegetables, unique livestock, fishes, insects, and other faunal species vulnerable to overharvesting.
• Development of climate-resilient crop varieties to ensure stable yields amid climate change challenges.
• Addressing priorities related to food and nutrition, wildlife studies, water, and soil conservation.

Research Focus and Duration

Proposals must address one or more major research verticals outlined in the program’s detailed annexure, emphasizing translational and transformative outcomes. The research should integrate scientific inquiry with societal benefits, particularly focusing on the unique bioresources of the Himalayan region in the NER.

The initial funding duration for approved projects is three years, allowing sufficient time for impactful research and development activities that align with the program’s goals.

Eligibility and Application Criteria

Eligible applicants include scientists and researchers holding regular positions at recognized research institutions, government colleges, academic institutions, or universities within the NER or elsewhere in India, provided they collaborate with NER-based scientists as the principal investigators. Applicants must demonstrate relevant research experience supported by high-quality publications in SCI-indexed journals.

Important eligibility conditions include:

• Applicants currently managing five or more ongoing DBT-funded projects (as PI or Co-PI) are ineligible to apply.
• Proposals will not be considered if final settlement of accounts for previously DBT-funded projects is pending for more than one year.
• Research proposals can be single-institution or multi-institutional, but involvement of NER institutions is mandatory, with the primary research activities centered in Northeast India.
• For multi-institutional projects involving collaborators outside NER, at least 50% of the total project budget must be allocated to NER institutions.

Institutional and Compliance Requirements

Applicants from government agencies must provide documentation including zero balance subsidiary account certification, no pending utilization certificates, implementation of the EAT module of PFMS, compliance with data submission in the IBDC portal, DSIR certification, and equipment procurement justifications with quotations.

Non-government and not-for-profit institutions must additionally submit proof of establishment under Indian statutes, society registration certificates, memorandum of association, registration details in the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal, DSIR-SIRO certification, and audited financial statements for the last three years.

Institutions must possess the necessary infrastructure to achieve the project objectives effectively, ensuring readiness for research activities under the program.