Sikkim can be a unique Biotech Hub in India – Says Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan

30 December 2016

Dr.Harsh Vardhan,Union Minister for Science & Technology being greeted by Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director IBSD at Sikkim during his visit.

Sikkim has several unique bioresources, which can be utilized in a sustainable manner for setting up of bio-based industries through application of modern biotechnological tools said Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Honourable Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Govt. of India on his three days maiden visit to Sikkim.

Addressing the students, Scientists, researchers and media persons Dr. Vardhan said that realizing the importance of rich bioresources of North East India, the Department of Biotechnology under his Ministry set up Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) in 2001 at Imphal, Manipur to look after the entire North East region. Subsequently on the request of Sri Pawan Chamling, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim , Govt. of India set up a regional centre of IBSD in the state.

The Union Minister during his visit to IBSD Regional Centre interacted with the scientists, staff and students and saw the state of the art facilities being developed over a period of time . He appreciated the research work being carried out in different aspects of medicinal plants like ginseng and chirayita, different types of orchids and traditional knowledge of Sikkim.

He was particularly impressed with the idea of development of super foods from the local bioresources like fermented soybean and Chhurpi (fermented milk product, unique to Sikkim). Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasized that the state has a huge potential to create Jobs for the unemployed youth through Bio-based enterprises. Although, the state government assured to extend all possible help including providing suitable land for the centre, till today IBSD centre is functioning from a rented building.

He urged the Chief Minister of the State to allot suitable land to IBSD so that his Ministry can immediately start the construction of a state of the art Research Centre, which can act as a Biotechnology Hub. This will help not only help the local people but also attract a large number of Biotech industries from across the world due to unique advantage of the state.

Dr. Vardhan said IBSD is a premier National Institute of the country and should set up more regional centres in other North Eastern states so that the benefit of research can reach to the welfare of the people.

Earlier in the morning, Dr. Vardhan visited Nathula Pass at India- China border and praised the Indian armed forces for their bravery in guarding the border of our country at the high altitude under extreme climatic condition. He also visited the Baba Mandir near Changu Lake and paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Professor Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director of IBSD while welcoming the Union Minister said North East region is a genetic treasure house of plants, animals and microbial resources. The region forms a distinctive part of the Indo-Burma region, which is amongst the top ten biodiversity hot spot in the world. The entire North East Himalayan region is unique and very sensitive to climate change. Prof. Sahoo said we have to find out new ways to solve our old problems through the scientific intervention and go for inclusive growth. This will be only possible if we go for Sustainable Development.