CS calls for leveraging Biotech Parks to strengthen J&K’s biotechnology ecosystem

Jammu Tawi, May 20: 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, while stressing the need to transform these facilities into vibrant centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven industrial development.

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.

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.