Jammu- The Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, continues to promote the growth of the biotechnology sector in Jammu and Kashmir with the support of two established biotechnological parks, one situated in Kathua and the other in Handwara.
With a total project cost of 8466.00 crores, these biotech parks stand as pillars of innovation, economic growth, and employment generation in the region.
The Kathua Biotech Park, with an allocation of 4200 crores, and the Handwara Biotech Park, receiving 4266.00 crores in funding, are coming up as institutions of advanced biotechnological research, development, and entrepreneurship.
These parks are part of the central government’s broader initiative to accelerate the growth of the biotechnology sector by promoting the development of innovative technologies, infrastructure, human resources, and industry.
While the parks have been instrumental in driving scientific advancements, they have also emerged as game-changers in addressing unemployment and uplifting the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated a biotech start-up expo at the Kathua Biotech Park earlier this week. Titled ‘Emerging Startup Trends in North India,’ the expo showcased 25 start-ups from various regions, emphasizing the region’s commitment to becoming a hub for budding entrepreneurs.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of Science and Technology, who had officially opened the facility as North India’s first biotech park in May 2022, emphasized the abundant biodiversity of the Jammu region.
He underscored its capacity to nurture the growth of biotech start-ups.
Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), underlined the development of the Kathua Biotech Park as a start-up hub, offering competitive opportunities to entrepreneurs from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
The expo, which featured six women entrepreneurs, aimed to inspire the youth to pursue entrepreneurship and explore the diverse opportunities offered by the biotech sector beyond traditional domains.
Facilities such as a Biotechnology Incubation Centre (BIC), Pilot Scale Units, Micro Propagation Facility, Aromatic Plant Extraction Units, and a Central Instrumentations and Analytical Facility continue to be key features of these established installations.
Government departments and institutions, including the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, Health and Medical Education, and Forests, along with various universities, remain major stakeholders in these biotech parks.
The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM)-CSIR Jammu serves as the knowledge partner and implementing agency for the parks, with the National Project Construction Company (NPCC) overseeing construction.
The Biotech Park Society, managed by JKST&IC and the Department of Science & Technology, continues to oversee the effective implementation and utilization of resources in these established parks.
As the Kathua Biotech Park remains operational, the recent inauguration of a startup expo signifies the ongoing impact of these biotech parks in catalyzing scientific and economic development in the region.
Originally conceptualized as a collaborative effort between the central and state governments in 2018, with a financial distribution of 70-30, the initiatives encountered a hiatus of more than two years due to a lack of funds. However, following the assumption of the LG administration, the projects regained momentum.
“While Kathua Park has commenced fulfilling its obligations, the Handwara Park is projected to commence operations by the conclusion of the 2024-25 fiscal year,” Dr. Nasir Shah, Additional Director, JKST&IC, said. “The pivotal role in initiating these endeavours was played by the then Principal Secretary of S&T, Bipul Pathak (IAS), followed by Alok Kumar (IRS), Sarav Bhagat (IAS) and DG Finance, M Y Itoo.”
Dr. Shah informed that the proposal concerning the establishment of positions has been formally presented to the government to ensure the complete functionality of these parks.
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