Swarkar Sharma
Government of India recently approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment) Policy of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to exploit the potential of Biotechnology and seek high-performance and futuristic biomanufacturing in India. The objective is to enhance the production as well as increase quality of bio-based products across various sectors in India. The policy is envisioned to encourage and support to indigenous research and development. Promote focused entrepreneurship across various sectors such as high-value biochemicals, biopolymers and enzymes; smart proteins and functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture; and marine and space research. The policy is also anticipated to facilitate development of such futuristic setups and hubs, where next generation technologies can be innovated to address the issues of the nation.
Biotechnology in Jammu and Kashmir has huge potential to contribute to the futuristic growth of the region. It has multifaceted horizons touching on sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. With the implementation, adaptation and using the policy for the benefit, with respect to region’s unique geographic, climatic and biological diversity, provide opportunities for biotechnology applications to address local challenges. Some key areas and sectors in the region of Jammu and Kashmir are discussed where entrepreneurship and industrial R&D can be used to bring new solutions, utilizing the facilitation by BioE3 policy. Start-ups in the domains for and from the region, can seek the challenges in these domains and can play key role in this process, by bridging the gaps and bringing and developing novel ideas and solutions to cater the sectors.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Crop Improvement: Biotechnology can be used to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant crops suited to the unique climatic conditions of Jammu and Kashmir. For instance, saffron, apples, and other horticultural products can benefit from genetic modification and tissue culture techniques to enhance productivity and resistance to pests. Biotechnology could enhance the shelf life and quality of processed foods such as apples, walnuts, and other locally grown produce, helping expand markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
Conservation of Indigenous Species: Biotechnology can play a vital role in preserving indigenous plant species and traditional varieties through techniques like germplasm storage and micropropagation.
Soil and Crop Health: Development of biofertilizers and biopesticides could reduce dependence on chemical inputs, promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Traditional Medicine Research: Jammu and Kashmir is home to a wealth of medicinal plants, which can be explored through biotechnology for new drug discoveries and therapeutic applications. Modern techniques can help identify bioactive compounds and contribute to the pharmaceutical industry.
Vaccine Development: Biotechnology offers possibilities for localized vaccine production to address region-specific diseases, contributing to overall public health improvements.
Personalized Medicine: Advances in biotechnology could enable personalized healthcare approaches, leveraging genetic information to tailor treatments for the local population, given the uniqueness of the populations of the region.
Environmental Biotechnology
Biodiversity Conservation: Jammu and Kashmir is rich in biodiversity, including unique species in the Himalayan region. Biotechnology can assist in the conservation of endangered species and restoration of degraded ecosystems through bio-remediation and ecological interventions.
Waste Management: Bioengineering techniques can be employed to manage agricultural, industrial, and urban waste, converting it into useful products like biofuels, which aligns with the goal of environmental sustainability in the region.
While there is significant potential, the region will need improvements to facilitate domain development of international standards. It includes infrastructure, including biotechnology research labs, access to modern equipment, and better connectivity. The availability of skilled professionals in biotechnology will be critical for the growth of the industry. Investments in education and training programs in local universities will be essential. In conclusion, the biotechnology industry in Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to transform key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With the right support and investment opportunities, that this policy is expected to be facilitating, the region could become a hub for biotech innovation, addressing both local challenges and contributing to the broader national and global biotech landscape.
The author is Associate Professor, Centre for
Molecular Biology, Central University of
Jammu and member CU Jammu Startup Incubation
and Technology Enablement Council.
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