The biotechnology sector has not been developed to its full potential because of limited sources, inadequate stock of trained manpower and lack of proper coordination among institutions.
The cross cutting field of biotechnology has applications for agriculture, medicine, energy, environment and industry.
There are 26 institutions currently engaged in research in the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The National Commission on Biotechnology was established in 2001 with a view to streamline and promote research in this sector.
According to official sources, over Rs 1 billion have been invested in research and development in this area over the past few years. This has been done through various projects approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), and the Higher Education Commission.
A strain of cotton called Bt Cotton had been developed by the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology. The strain had been approved by the Punjab Seed Council and was ready for plantation in fields. Sources said that government support was required to promulgate biotechnology legislation and define standards in accordance with international practices to establish technology incubators and biotech parks in the public sector. International cooperation is required for capacity building in this area, he added. He said the MoST may assist in the adoption and implementation of “National Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Policy and Action Plan” that had been proposed by the defunct National Commission on Biotechnology. Officials are considering re-establishing the National Commission on Biotechnology and coordinating nationwide research on biotechnology, he said.
The government is also planning to review a draft of the National Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Policy and Action Plan and implement it with the support of relevant organisations.
