22 February 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. How Biotechnology is Transforming North East India

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105241 )

Introduction

• India’s North East Region (NER) is rich in biodiversity, culture, and natural resources.
• Biotechnology is playing a key role in preserving this heritage while promoting growth and sustainability.
• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been supporting various initiatives to harness bioresources, improve education, and create job opportunities.

Funding and Major Initiatives

• Since 2010, DBT has allocated 10% of its annual budget to specialized programs in NER.
• These programs focus on research, education, and employment in biotechnology.

Key Programs Under the North Eastern Programme

Twinning R&D Programme for NER

• Launched in 2010-11 to build biotechnology capacity in NER.
• Collaborations between 65+ institutions have supported nearly 650 R&D projects.
• Benefitted around 450 researchers and 2,000 students.

Biotech Hubs

• Since 2011, 126 Biotech Hubs have been established in universities, colleges, and institutions.
• These hubs provide infrastructure and training to support biotechnology education and research.

Biotechnology Labs in Senior Secondary Schools (BLiSS)

• Initiated in 2014 to provide students with well-equipped biology laboratories.
• Aims to create awareness and interest in biological sciences at the school level.

Visiting Research Professorship (VRP) Programme

• Started in 2015 to bring expert scientists to institutions in NER.
• Focuses on advancements in biotechnology and life sciences.

Specialized Training for NE Researchers

• Chemical Ecology Programme (2015): Trained young scientists from NER in chemical ecology through collaboration with Bangalore institutions.
• Genomics-Driven Research (2016): Focused on training scientists, researchers, and clinicians in biomedical research and molecular genetics.

Human Resource Development (HRD) in NER

• Programs emphasize services for farmers and academics.
• DBT-North East Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (DBT-NECAB): Phase III focuses on agricultural advancements.
• Citrus Research Facilities: Established in Assam to develop disease-free citrus varieties.

Support for Farmers and Entrepreneurs

• 64.1 acres dedicated to cultivating medicinal crops like Curcuma caesia and lemongrass.
• 649 farmers and entrepreneurs have received training and awareness.
• An essential oil distillation unit set up in Arunachal Pradesh to help farmers generate income.
• Docynia indica (Assam apple) Value Addition: Farmers and tribal communities trained to make products like pickles, jam, and juice.

Major Achievements

Development of Bacterial Blight-Resistant Rice

• A new rice variety named “Patkai” was developed in Assam.
• It is resistant to bacterial blight and has been approved by the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC).

Rapid Disease Detection for Livestock

• A lateral flow assay was developed for detecting brucellosis in livestock.
• The test provides quick and accurate results based on serum samples.

Mobile Application for Pig Disease Diagnosis

• Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) was developed to assist in diagnosing pig diseases.
• The app is available on the Google Play Store and helps veterinarians and farmers manage livestock health.

Conclusion

• Biotechnology initiatives in NER are helping preserve biodiversity, boost education, and promote entrepreneurship.
• By integrating science with traditional knowledge, the region is advancing toward sustainable economic growth.