North News
New Delhi, January 9
India has taken a significant step in biotechnology with the completion of the Genome India Project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today. Speaking via video message at the project’s launch, Modi described the initiative as a milestone in India’s biotechnology revolution. The project, which involved sequencing the genomes of 10,000 individuals from various Indian populations, aims to provide valuable genetic data for scientific research.
“The Genome India Project will create a diverse genetic resource to help researchers and policymakers understand India’s genetic landscape,” Modi said. He emphasized the importance of the data, which will aid in policymaking and planning for the country’s future.
The project, approved five years ago, faced challenges, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but was completed with the help of over 20 prestigious institutions such as IISc, IITs, CSIR, and DBT-BRIC. Modi highlighted the completion of the genome sequences, which are now available at the Indian Biological Data Center.
The Prime Minister noted that India’s vast diversity in food, language, and geography also extends to its genetic makeup, and understanding the genetic identity of its population is crucial for determining effective treatments for diseases. He cited sickle cell anemia in tribal communities as one example of a genetic challenge that will benefit from this initiative.
He also discussed the broader scope of the project, emphasizing that the study of genetics could help develop treatments for various genetic diseases, not only sickle cell anemia. “The Genome India Project will help develop solutions for many inherited diseases,” Modi said.
Modi also stressed that India’s growing Bio Economy, which has expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to over $150 billion today, is fundamental to India’s future development. He noted that the Bio Economy is a driving force behind sustainable development, innovation, and job creation. “The integration of biotechnology with biomass will form a crucial foundation for India’s Bio Economy,” he added.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s role as a major global pharmaceutical hub, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the Genome India Project will further strengthen India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem.
He also touched on the government’s focus on research and innovation, citing initiatives such as the Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centers, and the PM Research Fellowship Scheme. These programs support young innovators and provide critical infrastructure for scientific research. Modi also highlighted the recent creation of a one lakh crore rupee corpus to boost research and investment in emerging technologies, including biotechnology.
Furthermore, he announced the “One Nation One Subscription” initiative, which will grant Indian students and researchers easy access to global academic journals, further enhancing India’s research capabilities.
“The world is looking to India for solutions to global problems,” Modi concluded, expressing confidence that the Genome India Project would enhance India’s reputation in genetic research and biotechnology.
