Jammu and Kashmir Sets Sights on Transformative Biotechnology Policy

Jammu and Kashmir is developing a comprehensive Biotechnology Policy to enhance its contribution to India's bioeconomy. Leveraging its rich biodiversity, the initiative aims to foster bio-manufacturing ecosystems, improve agriculture, pharmaceutical, and food processing sectors, and create industry-relevant opportunities for local biotechnology graduates.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir is crafting a new Biotechnology Policy, aiming to position the Union Territory as a key player in India's burgeoning bioeconomy. By tapping into its rich biodiversity and diverse agro-climatic zones, J-K seeks to establish bio-manufacturing ecosystems, officials revealed.

Commissioner Secretary of Science and Technology, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, led a meeting on the policy development. The meeting analyzed the findings of senior officers who conducted extensive visits to India's leading biotechnology clusters, including Genome Valley and Guwahati Biotech Park. These visits provided insight into operational models and technology incubation frameworks.

The proposed policy will focus on enhancing agriculture biotechnology, pharmaceutical production, food processing, and environmental bioremediation, while also fostering biotech education. Two DBT-funded Industrial Biotech Parks are being set up in Kathua and Handwara to facilitate this transformation.

(With inputs from agencies.)