Softex, Manaxis in pact

Project envisages separation of proteins from flora

The Softex group has entered into an agreement with New Jersey-based Manaxis Inc for a project to separate proteins from flora varieties commonly found in Kerala.

Speaking to Business Standard on the tie-up, Softex group chairman R P Lalaji said that the work envisaged supply of raw material to drug developing companies in the US.

"The initial investment planned for this initiative is Rs 2 crore," Lalaji added. The company, operating out of the Technopark here, plans to make use of West German equipment, to be imported, for the purpose.

Apart from the Manaxis Inc agreement, Softex has interests in the biotechnology research sector. Family Fisheries, part of the Softex group, is into the fish hatchery business.

According to Lalaji, "Family Fisheries has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with the Bangalore Agriculture University for rearing common carp seedlings".

The common carp rearing initiative would be done at the company's hatcheries at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district in South Kerala, according to Lalaji. The Bangalore Agriculture University would do the necessary research in this regard, he added.

The common carp fish reared at the Family Fisheries hatcheries would be distributed to fish farmers in Andhra Pradesh by the university team.

This apart, Family Fisheries was also mulling a project for artificially breeding Pearl Spot fish (popularly known as Karimeen in the state), which is the most sought-after delicacy by domestic as well as foreign tourists, Lalaji said. The financials details of the project are being worked out.

Apart from the biotech initiatives, the Softex Group comprises companies such as Softex Digital, Seaview Support Systems, National Institute of Computer Technology and Cosmomart, which operate out of the Technopark here.