Himachal soon to develop into a biotech hub

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has urged the Himachal Pradesh government to make effective use of its unique climate and terrain and develop the state into a biotechnology hub of north India.

"Diversification of crops, organic cultivation of high value herbal and aromatic plants, using suitable protocols for improved genotypes, value addition by further processing, activities like tissue culture, biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals is the need of the hour," said a spokesperson for the PHDCCI.

"With around 66 per cent of land under forest cover, the state is rich in medicinal and aromatic plants. Out of the 500 species of medicinal plants used in India about 175 species are found in Himachal Pradesh," the spokesman added.

"A whole new era of knowledge based, environmentally safe industry can be created in the state," the chamber suggested.

PHDCCI is of the view that there is a need to involve the public and community in such projects by creating awareness about the benefits of biotechnology and life science so that they extend support for the further development of these sectors.

There is also a need to create a well-developed scientific cluster, which would provide the competitive edge to the region.

The chamber has also suggested that biotechnology practises should be set up for seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, all areas, which possess the potential to change the food and agriculture sectors.

The state is well equipped to meet the manpower needs of the sector. It has reputed research and development institutions, a horticultural university, a forestry university and an agricultural university.