Kerala eyes investments in biotechnology – The Hindu

Signalling Keralas intention to transform itself into one of the top destinations in the biotechnology sector, scientists, technologists and technocrats have pledged support to the government in its efforts to promote the establishment of biotech industries.

A conclave organised by the Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) here on Thursday stressed the need to harness the immense biological resources and human potential in the State to create an enabling ecosystem and attract investments in the sector.

Inaugurating the event, Minister for Water Resources Mathew T.Thomas said Kerala, with its rich biodiversity, unique spices and traditional systems of medicine offered unprecedented opportunities for biotechnology- based industries.

Pointing out that the sector had registered low growth, despite the governments efforts to improve infrastructural facilities, the Minister said the Biotechnology Park at Kalamassery and the Life Sciences Park at Thiruvananthapuram would be promoted as hubs of biotechnology- based industries.

Biotechnology, the Minister said, could play a major role in increasing agricultural productivity as well as in other sectors like the environment, animal husbandry, bio fuels and aquaculture.

Ecosystem

The government was committed to the creation of an ecosystem for the establishment of biotech- based industries, the Minister added.

Presiding over the inaugural function, V.K.Ramachandran, Vice Chairman, State Planning Board, said efforts were on to promote Kerala as a platform for the manufacture of genetic drugs made from living material.

The rich biodiversity in the State, Mr. Ramachandran said, could be utilised to develop a thriving bio pharmaceutical sector.

Dr.Ramachandran also highlighted the need to promote research and development in biotechnology in the State.

Echoing the views expressed by the speakers, a cross-section of the industrialists participating in the conclave said they were prepared to set up ventures in the State.

Conditions in Kerala

Dr.Muhammed Majeed, CMD, Sami Labs said conditions in Kerala were conducive to the establishment of biotechnology- based industries.

Dr.Chandrasekhar R.Nair, CMD, BigTec laboratories and Dr.C.N.Ramchand, CEO, Saksin Laboratories also said Kerala offered significant advantages for setting up new manufacturing ventures.

Chairman, KBC, Dr.Suresh Das, Member Secretary Dr.S.Pradeep Kumar, Advisor, KBC, Prof.G.M.Nair and Chairman, KSIDC, Dr.Christy Fernandez were among those who spoke.

A business meet and biopreneurs meet were also organised.

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Kerala eyes investments in biotechnology - The Hindu