Bio-Technology, an essential

By Dr. Y S Devi *

People assumed that Biotechnology is a big and upgrading subject in the 21st century at least in India.

If anybody is pursuing Biotechnology, then they say "Wah" - What a tough subject you are pursuing. Ideally it is a tough subject. But after completing the degree everybody wants the well paid and respected jobs, which would satisfy the person.

When compare pay-scale of Govt. related jobs with that of the Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology companies, there are definitely higher salary in companies. Not only salary the production duration in companies is also short.

Here the thought comes how to establish any Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology companies. India is becoming in an attractive position for R&D activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

In an emerging market, companies have to face a number of unique hurdles before actually entering into the lucrative region. Before establishing companies in the field of pharma and biotech, there has to be key players in Indian Pharmaceutical market, R & D collaborative opportunities and Changes in Indian regulatory environment.

Coming to the situation of Manipur, I know there are plans for setting up biotechnology industries and plan for bio-park etc. in Manipur.

The work plan was established in 2002. The new report includes additional sections on the Indian Patents Acts 2005, the Indian pharmaceutical policy, an overview of Department of Biotechnology initiatives, including details of biotechnology parks, and an all-new set of profiles on life science research institutes.

Till now there is no improvement. When we observe, Manipur is far behind Biotechnology defines the technology utilizing the surroundings, knowledges, and understanding of biology to meet practical needs. It is said that biotechnology is as old as the growing of crops.

Fermentation, used in making bread, beer, and cheese, is an example of biotechnology. Modern biotechnology simply allows scientists to be more specific in their work.

Today's biotechnology is largely identified with applications in medicine and agriculture (suitable in Manipur) based on our knowledge of the genetic code of life.

Different types of crops have been produced using the molecular tools of biotechnology and are beginning to be utilized in agricultural systems all over the world. At the same time, an increasing number of farmers are adopting sustainable cultural practices.

Conversely, there are concerns about the use of biotechnology in agricultural systems including the possibility that it may lead to greater farmer dependence on the providers of the new technology.

Genetically identical plants/animals derived from an individual are called clones. Processes that produce clones can be put under the term 'cloning'. Propagation by tissue culture also helps in producing a large number of plantlets.

This technique could be used extensively in the commercial fields for micropropagation of beneficial crops such as sugar cane, tapioca, ginger, pineapple, potato and other costly spices which are imported from outside Manipur.

Thus an unlimited number of plants, which are genetically similar or are clones, can be produced in a short span of time by tissue culture. If these plants are produced at unlimited numbers, it could be extremely beneficial for Manipur state.

In fact, the state can export to other states if India. The tissue culture technique will enhance in increasing more number of plants/embryos to grow. Generally, these give rise to an unorganized mass of cells.

To bridge the gap between research and application, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India sponsored the setting-up of two pilot-scale facilities for large-scale propagation of elite planting material of forest trees through tissue culture with the forest departments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, and Orissa.

Here also Manipur is still lacking behind. Careful planning is essential for developing and maintaining a beautiful garden.