Gujarat to promote biotechnology

The Gujarat government is planning to take up projects to promote use of biotechnology in the state. The state had recently announced the biotechnology policy and set up a Bio-technology Mission. The mission, in association with civic bodies and private players, is planning to take up domestic waste management project.

The aim is to develop a system to biotechnologically manage waste and thus improve urban infrastructure. The mission is also contemplating setting up of about a dozen bio-villages.

Meanwhile, government is also gathering industry leaders' reactions to the bio-technology policy to make necessary changes.

"We are considering some innovative projects to implement. However, no concrete plans have been made as we want to evaluate the economic aspects first.," said Akshaykumar Saxena, director, Biotechnology Mission.

However, no concrete plans have been made as we want to evaluate the economic aspects first. We have made a presentation before the Ahmedabad municipal corporation (AMC) on producing bio-fertilisers by biotechnological waste management," said Akshaykumar Saxena, director, Biotechnology Mission.

At present, only Vadodara municipal corporation (VMC) has the facility to treat sewage with gamma radiation. This treatment makes it pathogen-free and can be used as eco-friendly organic manure.

VMC has also commissioned a sludge hygenisation research irradiator project, in association with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the state government.Unlike chemical fertilisers, irradiated sludge does not reduce soil fertility and the quantity required is minimal.

"We are looking for a partner who can provide some business sense to the project and also refine the concept. The partner should be in a position to market and operate it. Meanwhile, we are also considering an idea to develop model villages with bio-technological applications in areas such as agriculture. There are enough materials to promote bio-technological applications but what we want to find out is the economic viability," said Saxena.

At present, there are 40 companies and 55 organisations working in the biotechnology sector in the state with a turnover of around Rs 700 crore a year, according to the official Web site of iNDEXT-B.