Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme 2026 and Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi

Educators, research scholars, and PhD candidates focusing on the unique ecology of the North Eastern Region (NER) can now apply for the Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme 2026. This flagship initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, serves as a strategic framework to scientifically explore and sustainably utilize the vast biological wealth of the Himalayas. Consequently, the program emphasizes translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory science and societal benefit. Furthermore, the call aims to empower local communities through bio-resource-based interventions that drive economic growth and climate resilience in the region.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme of NER
Organizing Body	Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology
Application Deadline	January 19, 2026
Project Duration	Initially 3 Years
Mode of Submission	Online via eProMIS Portal
Focus Region	Indian Himalayan Region of the North East (NER)

Program Overview

The Himalayan Bio-resource Mission was launched to address the specific ecological and socio-economic challenges of the North East Region. Since the NER is a global biodiversity hotspot, it contains a rich variety of tropical, sub-tropical, and alpine biota. The primary objective of this call is to support transformative proposals that increase regional productivity through scientific innovation. Specifically, the mission targets the conservation of threatened species and the promotion of high-value bio-resources. In addition, every proposal must demonstrate a clear engagement with society to ensure that scientific outcomes directly improve the livelihoods of local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

To maintain a focus on regional development, the Department of Biotechnology has established specific eligibility guidelines:

• Principal Investigator (PI): Scientists and researchers holding regular positions in recognized Indian research institutes, universities, and government colleges.
• NER Mandatory Collaboration: While scientists from across India can apply, the proposal must involve at least one investigator from an institute located within the North Eastern Himalayan Region as the Main PI.
• Institutional Support: The host institution must possess the basic infrastructure required to execute the proposed research.
• Project Limit: Applicants currently managing five or more ongoing DBT-funded projects (as PI or Co-PI) are not eligible to apply.
• Financial Compliance: Institutions with pending final settlement of accounts for previous DBT projects for more than one year will not be considered.

Curriculum & Topics Covered

The mission is structured around several critical verticals designed to leverage the region’s “invisible biodiversity”:

• Agricultural Advancements: Developing climate-resilient varieties of rice, apple, mango, potato, and underutilized crops like king chilli and Kachai lemon.
• High-Value Cash Crops: Generation of quality planting material and captive cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants.
• Microbial Resources: Exploration of the region’s microbial wealth for applications in health, industry, and waste management.
• Animal & Aquatic Resources: Genetic improvement and sustainable management of unique livestock (yak, mithun) and indigenous fish species.
• Post-Harvest Management: Value addition of bio-resources based on traditional knowledge to reduce waste and increase market value.
• Environmental Monitoring: Focused studies on soil health, water conservation, and the impact of climate change on wild life.

Learning & Project Outcomes

Participants and implementing institutions are expected to achieve the following milestones:

• Establishment of sustainable models for the captive cultivation of at-risk faunal and floral species.
• Creation of high-quality germplasm banks for the preservation of unique Himalayan bio-resources.
• Development of value-added products (nutraceuticals or phytopharmaceuticals) from local medicinal plants.
• Transfer of technology to local communities to enhance land utilization and crop yields.
• Publication of high-impact research in SCI-indexed journals and filing of relevant patents.

Certification & Assessment

Since this is a research grant program, progress is monitored through periodic reviews:

• Annual Progress Reports (APR): PIs must submit detailed technical and financial reports at the end of each year.
• Expert Committee Review: An annual presentation before the DBT Monitoring Committee is mandatory to secure the release of subsequent grants.
• Scientific Merit: Final assessment is based on the successful translation of research findings into societal applications or commercial products.

Registration Details

Requirement	Information
Registration Portal	click here
Submission Category	“Submit Proposal under Calls” -> “NER Programme”
Application Deadline	January 19, 2026
Registration Fee	Nil
Selection Criteria	Scientific merit, PI competence, and societal impact

Contact Information

For technical queries regarding the proposal submission or the mission objectives, researchers may contact:

• Coordinator: Dr. Suraksha S. Diwan, Scientist ‘F’
• Email: nerdiv@dbt.nic.in
• Phone: 011-24665100
• Official Website: www.dbtindia.gov.in

Key Highlights

• Translational Focus: Unlike basic research, this mission prioritizes projects that offer “transformative” solutions for regional productivity.
• Budget Allocation: In multi-institutional projects, at least 50% of the total budget must be allocated to the participating NER institutions.
• Traditional Knowledge Integration: The program encourages the scientific validation of local traditional knowledge for global market reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a researcher from Delhi apply for this mission?
Yes, researchers from any part of India can apply; however, they must collaborate with a scientist from the North Eastern Region (NER) who will serve as the Main Principal Investigator.

What is the maximum duration of the project?
The projects under the Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme are initially funded for a duration of three years, with possibilities for extension based on performance.

Is there a limit on the number of projects a PI can hold?
Yes, a scientist cannot serve as a PI or Co-PI if they already have five or more ongoing projects funded by the Department of Biotechnology.

Does the proposal need to include a societal component?
Absolutely. The call specifically mandates that proposals involve both high-level science and direct engagement with society to ensure practical impact in the Himalayan region.

How do I submit the application?
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the DBT eProMIS portal. Hard copies are not required unless specifically requested during the screening stage.