Calls for leveraging these parks to strengthen biotechnology ecosystem in J&K
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the readiness, operational framework and future sustainability plan for the Industrial Biotech Parks being established at Kathua and Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir, while stressing the need to transform these facilities into vibrant centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven industrial development.
The review meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology Department; Commissioner Secretary, Planning; Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine; CEO, Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency; CEO, Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance; faculty members from different universities and other concerned officers.
During the review, the Chief Secretary took stock of the infrastructure developed at the Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua, besides assessing the progress achieved on the Handwara Biotech Park project.
The Chief Secretary impressed upon the Science & Technology Department to address the governance gaps highlighted by the professionals, observing that an institutional structure in the form of a Society already exists for running these parks. He called for putting in place a professional management system for taking day-to-day operational decisions and ensuring optimum utilisation of these assets in line with the objectives envisioned for their establishment.
He further emphasised the need for clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the Science & Technology Department and CSIR-IIIM Jammu in creating a conducive ecosystem for startups, entrepreneurship and capacity building. He urged the IIIM to position the required professional manpower at these facilities in accordance with on-ground requirements, noting that the institution possesses the expertise and capability to provide the necessary technical and scientific support.
The Chief Secretary also called for formulation of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with defined timelines to achieve tangible outcomes and develop these parks into some of the best-performing innovation assets across the nation. He directed CiTaG to extend all possible assistance to the department in this endeavour.
Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Babila Rakwal, apprised the meeting about the present status of infrastructure created at these parks. She informed that optimal utilisation and efficient functioning of these facilities would require professional management under the guidance of institutions like IIIM Jammu, supported through adequate funding from the department and convergence with relevant Government of India schemes.
During the meeting, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, and CEO, CiTaG, Dr Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, gave detailed presentations regarding the present status, functionality and long-term operational strategy for the biotechnology parks at Kathua and Handwara.
The meeting was informed that the Kathua facility, spread over nearly 10 acres, has been equipped with advanced infrastructure including fermentation and enzyme production units, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation facilities, micro-propagation laboratories, farmer and youth skill development centres and central instrumentation facilities. It was further informed that the park has already hosted several programmes and activities aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and capacity building in the biotechnology sector.
The meeting was informed that the Kathua Biotech Park presently houses a BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator established to support agri-based startups and innovation-driven enterprises in sectors such as agriculture, nutraceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals, aroma and food processing, fermentation and healthcare biotechnology. The facility has been envisioned as a major innovation hub for startups, researchers and entrepreneurs from across Jammu and Kashmir.
Director, CSIR-IIIMfurther informed the meeting that several initiatives including farmer-centric workshops, skill development programmes, awareness campaigns under Mission YUVA and scientific conferences on AI-driven innovations in drug discovery and agriculture have already been organised at the Kathua campus.
He further highlighted the park’s significant potential in promoting medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation, essential oil processing, mushroom cultivation, herbal product development and bio-based industrial processes in the region.
Regarding the Handwara Biotech Park, the meeting was apprised that the project is progressing steadily and is being developed as another major biotechnology and innovation centre for Kashmirregion.
The meeting was apprised that operationalisation of both the parks would help create a robust ecosystem for biotechnology-led industrial growth, startup incubation, employment generation and skill enhancement among youth, women and farmers.
The CEO, CiTaG, Dr Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, presented a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring optimum utilisation and future self-sufficiency of the biotech parks through a collaborative operational model involving government departments, scientific institutions, startups, entrepreneurs and private sector participation.
A three-bucket operationalisation strategy and collaborative framework were also discussed for ensuring sustainable functioning, professional management and long-term economic viability of these facilities.
The meeting also discussed manpower requirements, infrastructure readiness, industry linkages, startup support mechanisms and alignment of these biotech parks with the national BioE3 policy and emerging bio-economy initiatives of the Government of India.
The Chief Secretary stressed that these biotech parks should serve as engines of innovation, scientific research and market-oriented biotechnology enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir. He underlined the need for strengthening institutional collaborations and ensuring effective utilisation of the infrastructure created for generating tangible socio-economic outcomes and employment opportunities across the region.