Shimla, June 7,
Dr. Lal Singh, Director of the Himalayan Research Group (HRG), has received a prestigious international invitation to participate in the *Science Week and Partnerships Event* organized by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. Scheduled to be held from June 9 to 13, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane, Laos, the event will bring together global experts, researchers, and development partners to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and agrobiodiversity.
The invitation recognizes HRG’s decade-long partnership with the Alliance and its significant contributions to promoting mountain agrobiodiversity for **nutritional security, economic development, and climate resilience** in Himachal Pradesh. HRG’s initiatives—especially the establishment of a **Mountain Technology Centre (MTC)** in Mandi district—have been hailed as models of grassroots innovation. The centre offers facilities such as a Community Seed Bank, processing units for traditional crops like red rice, amaranth, and barley, and market linkage support for local farmer groups through Junee Mountain Farmers Producer Company.
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At the event, Dr. Singh will make a key presentation on June 12 during the Partnerships and Reception session, highlighting HRG’s collaborative work with the Alliance and the Department of Science and Technology under the SEED programme. His presentation will focus on HRG’s role in agroecological transitions, complemented by a poster display and networking with global stakeholders, including representatives from UN agencies and donor organizations.
Dr. Singh will also contribute to discussions around the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative Roadmap, developed in collaboration with the World Future Council and IFOAM Organics International. This roadmap spans India, Nepal, and Bhutan and aims to promote resilient and sustainable farming models rooted in agroecology, with Himachal Pradesh showcased as a leading example due to its Natural Farming Programme.
The Alliance, which is part of the global CGIAR research network, will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the invited participant. Dr. Singh’s inclusion is seen as a significant moment for India’s mountain farming community, reinforcing the global relevance of local innovations emerging from the hills of Himachal.
