BIO TECH IN SIKKIM

Centre to set up reg research centre for bio-tech in Sikkim

Gangtok, Nov 12: The Centre has decided to set up a regional research centre in Sikkim under the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development for utilization of bio technology in improving productivity of the state's natural resources, Sikkim Science and Technology minister S B Subedi said on Wednesday.

Participating in the first interactive meet of bio-informatics centres of north eastern states here, he said that the proposed Regional Research Centre should act as catalyst for capacity building and developing entrepreneurship skills of the farmers and unemployed youths so that they should be able to set up small and medium scale units by using bio-technology for making a living out of the natural resources.

Subedi also laid thrust on the development of suitable and effective bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides by using rich biological resources for encouraging organic farming as has been done in Sikkim.

He said that the centre should focus on dissemination of appropriate technology for improvement of yield and value-addition to various cash crops like cardamom, ginger, orange, medicinal plants and bamboos.

The Minister urged the Centre to set up a Bio-Technology Park in Sikkim too to encourage the local entrepreneurs.

In order to highlight the distinct produces in Sikkim, he asked the officials of his department to make detailed proposal and pursue the matter for registration Temi tea, Sikkim Mandarin orange, Lachung Beans, Dalley Khorshani, Dzongu Lepcha Hat, large cardamom, Naakeema, and Sikkim Choksey under the registration and protection of geographical indication.

Besides, there should be proper documentation of local health traditions using medicinal plants by traditional faith healers in order to protect their valuable intellectual property rights, Subedi said.

Making a key note address, the Advisor to the Union Bio-Technology department T Madan Mohan said that the Centre has set up 21 Bio-Informatics Centre and Four Sub-centres in the North-East Region for promotion of bio-technology to the benefit of the local people.

A fund of Rs 90 crore has been allocated to the north-eastern bio-technology centres for promotion of Bio-Technology Studies,he said.

Additional bio-technology centres could be set up if there was need for them as the Centre has not not put any ceiling on opening of bio-informatics centres, Madan Mohan said.

Source: Bureau Report Zee News