Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi   

``Biotech industry set for growth''

Staff Reporter

Major initiatives underway for commercial applications With major initiatives under way to transfer biotechnology to industry for commercial applications, the DBT hopes to create 1.1 million jobs over the next five years.

TIRUCHI: : The market size of Indian biotech industry is poised to reach 5 billion dollars by 2010, S. R. Rao, Director, Infrastructure, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Science and Technology, said recently.

With major initiatives underway to transfer biotechnology to industry for commercial applications, the DBT hopes to create 1.1 million jobs over the next five years, Dr. Rao said, delivering the key-note address at the national seminar on recent trends in biotechnology (Biopioneer '05), organised by the Department of Biotechnology, Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College here.

Between 2005 and 2010, the Centre has planned to spend 100 million dollars annually on research and development, and the private sector would pitch in another 30 million dollars per annum. India's conformity to World Trade Organisation norms has made possible final product patenting in the country, he said, adding that innovation was the key in the patent regime. It is high time the biotech industry had own product molecules since the patent period for 80 per cent of the drugs was nearing completion. There was no more scope for `reverse chemistry' (just a change in process).

Young researchers had an ample scope to break new ground in the industry, taking advantage of the fellowship schemes of the DBT. Fellowships were awarded to 150 aspiring scientists through an entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Science. Candidates passing the examination would be qualified to undertake research in various laboratories, and further undertake the examination for post-doctoral fellowship, to enhance their career prospects.

In conduct of field trials, the DBT has taken into ethical consideration the genetic diversity of population. The Centre was investing Rs.300 crores to establish a large animal testing facility in an expanse of 300 acres in Hyderabad, for conducting field trials. Aspiring scientists can specialise in clinical trial and database management. The Government also has a scheme to encourage start-up companies for innovative projects, with 50 per cent subsidy component for loans up to Rs.1 crore. Dr. Rao insisted that colleges and universities had to devote higher attention to upkeep of educational quality. In the new age of synthesis, there was a convergence of many disciplines. Knowledge constitutes skills rather than just degrees.

Presiding over the seminar, H. Devaraj, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Zoology, University of Madras, said that aspiring scientists ought to be good at basic sciences. Knowledge in fundamentals was what mattered to candidates while facing interview panels.

V.S. Narasimhan, college secretary, detailed the strides taken by the institution in the field of herbal technology. K. Prema, Principal, K. N. Srinivasan, Trustee, and M. Meenakshi Sundaram, Head, Department of Biotechnology, spoke.

Biotrendz, a Newsletter, a souvenir, and a CD on biotechniques were released.

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