Combination of biotechnology and biomass important part of foundation of Visit Bharat’s dreams: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Genome India Project, emphasizing biotechnology and biomass as key for India’s bio-economy. He praised scientists for sequencing 10,000 Indian genomes, aiding research into genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia. Modi highlighted India’s growing bio-economy and initiatives like the Bio-E3 Policy, Atal Tinkering Labs, and the National Research Fund to foster innovation and sustainable development.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of combining biotechnology and biomass as a key component in realizing the vision of Visit Bharat. His remarks were made during the virtual launch of the Genome India Project, as stated in a release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The Prime Minister described India’s move as a historic milestone in the field of research. He highlighted that while the Genome India project was approved five years ago, it was the relentless efforts of Indian scientists that enabled its completion, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Modi recognized the contribution of over 20 renowned research institutions, including IISc, IITs, CSIR, and DBT-BRIC, in the success of this project. He shared that the genomic data of 10,000 Indians is now available at the Indian Biological Data Center.
Expressing his confidence, PM Modi stated that the Genome India Project would be a significant milestone in advancing biotechnology research in the country. He congratulated all the contributors and emphasized that the project has generated a diverse genetic resource by sequencing the genomes of individuals from various populations. This data will now be accessible to researchers, providing valuable insights into India’s genetic landscape and assisting in policy-making and planning.
The Prime Minister highlighted the vast diversity of India—not just in food, language, and geography, but also in its genetic composition. He pointed out that understanding the genetic makeup of the population is critical for determining effective treatments, especially considering how diseases vary across regions. He also discussed the pressing issue of sickle cell anemia in tribal communities and the national mission to combat it. PM Modi explained that a comprehensive genetic study of the Indian population is essential to understand the genetic patterns that can lead to targeted solutions and medicines.
While sickle cell anemia was used as an example, the Prime Minister stressed that the scope of the Genome India Project extends far beyond it. He pointed out the lack of awareness in India about genetic diseases that are inherited across generations and expressed confidence that the project would help in developing treatments for a wide range of such diseases.
Referring to the 21st century, PM Modi stated that the integration of biotechnology and biomass is foundational for the development of India’s bio-economy. He explained that the goal of a bio-economy is to optimize natural resources, promote bio-based products, and generate new employment opportunities. The bio-economy, he added, fosters sustainable development and innovation.
The Prime Minister shared that India’s bio-economy has grown substantially over the last decade, from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 150 billion today. He also mentioned the recent launch of the Bio-E3 Policy, which aims to position India as a global leader in biotechnology, much like the IT revolution did for the country.
Acknowledging the vital role of scientists in this progress, PM Modi extended his best wishes to them. He noted that the world is now looking to India for solutions to global challenges, which presents both a responsibility and an opportunity for future generations.
India is building a robust research ecosystem, the Prime Minister pointed out, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation at all educational levels. He mentioned that over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up across the country, enabling students to experiment with new ideas daily. Hundreds of Atal Incubation Centers have also been established to nurture young innovators, alongside the implementation of the PM Research Fellowship Scheme to support PhD research.
PM Modi further highlighted the creation of the National Research Fund to promote multidisciplinary and international research. He also mentioned the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, which will support research across various fields, including science, engineering, environment, and health. To bolster research and investment in emerging technologies, the government has allocated a corpus of one lakh crore rupees, aimed at advancing the biotechnology sector and supporting young scientists.
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Source : Bio Energy Times
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