CSIR’s New Lotus Variety ‘Namoh 108’: A Grand Gift to PM Modi

CSIR’s New Lotus Variety ‘Namoh 108’: A Grand Gift to PM Modi

Subject: Science and Technology

Section: Biotechnology

Context

• Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh unveils the ‘Namoh 108’ lotus variety at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow.
• The variety is described as a grand gift to PM Narendra Modi, recognizing his relentless zeal and tenure.

Key Features of Namoh 108 Lotus

• Lotus with precisely 108 petals, a unique trait.
• Initially discovered in Manipur and incorporated into CSIR-NBRI’s plant collection.

• Initially appeared ordinary compared to other lotus types.
• Subsequent genome sequencing revealed unique characteristics.
• Sole lotus variety in India with its genome sequenced.
  • Genome research led to improved germplasm and characteristics.
  • Modified to enable easier cultivation outside Manipur.
• Plan to establish an industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem around the variety.

Name and Significance

• The name ‘Namoh 108‘ is derived from “Om Namaha Vasudeva“.
• ‘Namoh’ translates to ‘salutations’ in Sanskrit.

Lotus Mission

• The launch of ‘Lotus Mission’ follows the success of the Aroma Mission.
• CSIR-NBRI initiates the ‘Lotus Mission’ to promote the wider cultivation of 108 Namo flowers.
• An integral part of a larger horticultural mission.
• Aims to spread cultivation across various regions of India.
• Unveiling of products derived from the variety:
  • Apparel made from lotus fiber.
  • The perfume named ‘Frotus’ is extracted from lotus flowers.
  • Perfume developed under Lotus Research Programme in collaboration with FFDC, Kannauj.

Other Initiatives and Publications

• Launch of new Aloe vera variety ‘NBRI-Nihar’ with approximately 2.5 times higher gel yield.
• Introduction of herbal colors from temple flower offerings for various applications, including dyeing silk and cotton cloths.
• Introduction of herbal products including ‘Herbal Cold Drops’ and ‘Herbal Anti Dandruff Hair Oil’.
• Launch of a Database of 500 Raw Drug Repositories adhering to Indian Pharmacopoeia Standards.
• Release of a book on roses conserved at CSIR-NBRI Garden.
• Collaboration with M/s Nucleome Informatics, Hyderabad, for research on Cotton.

CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI):

• Originally established as the National Botanic Gardens (NBG) by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.).
• Taken over by CSIR in 1953.
• Transitioned from classical botanical research to applied and developmental research.
• Renamed the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in 1978.