Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Genome India Project, Paving the Way for Advancements in Biotechnology and Bio Economy.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Genome India Project today, marking a historic milestone in India’s biotechnology landscape. In a video message, he congratulated the project’s contributors, including over 20 renowned research institutions, for completing the ambitious initiative despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, which has sequenced the genomes of 10,000 Indians, will create a vast genetic database accessible to scientists and researchers at the Indian Biological Data Center. This resource will help advance understanding of India’s genetic diversity and improve public health policies and treatments.M
PM Modi highlighted the importance of biotechnology and biomass in the 21st century, noting that the combination of these fields is vital for the development of a “Bio Economy” in India. He emphasized that the Bio Economy would accelerate sustainable development, innovation, and create new employment opportunities, with India’s Bio Economy growing from $10 billion in 2014 to over $150 billion today.
The Prime Minister also praised India’s progress as a global pharmaceutical hub, underscoring the country’s strides in public healthcare, affordable medicines, and robust drug manufacturing. He noted that the Genome India Project would enhance these efforts by providing data crucial for developing targeted treatments for diseases specific to India’s diverse populations, such as sickle cell anemia.
Additionally, Modi emphasized India’s growing role in solving global challenges, with the world looking to India for solutions. He outlined the government’s investments in research and innovation, including initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centers, and the PM Research Fellowship Scheme. He also highlighted the “One Nation One Subscription” initiative, which will provide Indian students and researchers with free access to global academic journals.
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Genome India Project would further enhance India’s global standing in genetic research, following in the footsteps of India’s success in digital infrastructure and governance.