*A major milestone by CSIR-IHBT, Palampur!* *Heeng* (_Ferula assa-foetida_) has flowered for the first time in India. Hon'ble Minister of S&T, DrJitendraSingh, inaugurated the Heeng Seed Production Centre in Feb 2025. Ongoing R&D aims to establish a sustainable seed cycle & ensure long-term cultivation success in cold desert regions. This will go a long way in reducing our import dependence on this high-value spice. A breakthrough for indigenous farming & Atmanirbhar Bharat