State govt to invest Rs 437 crore in the project.
As part of its strategy to create “farm to fork” chain for agri and agro products using modern technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Gujarat government has decided to set up an agro biotech park in Mehsana district of the state.
The state government has already reserved 125 acres of land in Vijapur taluka of Mehsana and it proposes to invest around Rs. 437 crore for the greenfield project, Gujarat government’s minister of state for science and technology, Maya Kodnani informed the state assembly today.
Replying to a question by Bayad MLA Udesinh Jhala, Kodnani said that the proposed agro biotech park would be equipped with facilities for agri research, laboratory, green house, information center, testing and training units.
Apart from attracting fresh investment, the proposed facility would bring a sea change in agri and agro sector, she added.
The pre-feasibility report has been prepared by the government, which is currently gearing up for promotional activities for the project.
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Gujarat government intends to use biotechology for value-addition and enriching productivity as well as quality of agri products. The government is also looking at creating biotechnology linked to agriculture, pharma and marine sectors.
Gujarat government has further planned a biodiversity genebank for biodiversity conservation. A marine resource center for marine life conservation and research on long term basis is also on the cards.
The other infrastructure facilities for promotion of agri biotechnology include establishment of Bio-Informatics Virtual Institute for bio-informatics studies and biological database.
In addition to this, the state further proposed to put up DNA Finger Printing Center for biodiversity genebank studies and allied services.