Lok Sabha Question No. 242 (STARRED), answered on 2015-08-05
Subject: Promotion of Biotechnology
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI, B. S. YEDDYURAPPA

**MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY**

**DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY**

**LOK SABHA**

**STARRED QUESTION NO. *242**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/08/2015**

**PROMOTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY**

*242.    SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

SHRI B. S. YEDIYURAPPA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

1. whether the Government is encouraging States to use biotechnology in various sectors including agriculture;

1. if so, the details thereof and the investment made by the Government, for the research and development of bio-agriculture;

1. whether the Government has invited the views of the States in this regard and if so, the details of views expressed/furnished by them;

1. whether some States have formulated their own biotechnology development policy and if so, the details thereof; and

1. the steps taken/being taken by the Government to encourage States to adopt biotechnology in various sectors including agriculture for more production and to make available trained personnel in the sectors?

**ANSWER**

MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

1. to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

….2/-

**STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *242 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/08/2015 REGARDING “PROMOTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY”**

(a)to(c) Yes, Madam. Department of Biotechnology (DBT) encourage the use of biotechnology and promote the biotechnology sector in states by the establishment of biotechnology parks, incubators, and creation of infrastructural facilities. Besides, DBT also support various R&D schemes in the broad areas of agriculture, animal science, health care etc. in academic institutions, universities and industries located in various states.  In the previous four financial years from 2011-12 to 2014-15 departments made an investment of Rs. 1737.62 crores under support to research & development projects.  Many programme of the department like establishment of biotechnology parks & incubators, human resource development programmes have been developed in consultation and partnership with State Governments/ State Government Organisations in different states of the country to facilitate biotech product development, entrepreneurship, research and innovation.

4. Yes, Madam.  Many states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal etc., have formulated their own biotechnology development strategy/ policy. DBT help and guide them as and when they seek guidance in formulation of their biotechnology policies.

1. The department encourages states to adopt biotechnology in various sectors by supporting R&D   projects in basic and applied areas of agriculture biotechnology, animal biotechnology, aquaculture & marine biotechnology, plant biotechnology, bioengineering, bioinformatics, biosystems& bioprocess engineering, medical biotechnology, environmental biotechnology etc. The department also help states in creation of biotech infrastructural facilities,  platforms, research resources and human resource development programme to make available trained personnel in the various sectors of biotechnology.

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**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY**

**DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY**