Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, organized a two-day Consultative meeting on 21-22 June, 2024 at the CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, Assam to develop a roadmap for supporting and nurturing biotechnology in NER for the next five years.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT in his keynote address emphasized that NER being the biodiversity hotspot of the country is of immense importance and encouraged the scientists and academicians to come forward and join hands towards uplifting and encouraging biotechnological research to greater heights in the Northeast India.

Dr. Suraksha S. Diwan, NER division, DBT, in her welcome address emphasized on the importance of discussion among DBT; S & T Councils; Departments and leading Scientists from all 8 States of the NER at a common platform for developing a roadmap for supporting and nurturing biotechnology in NER for the next five years.

NER program brochure highlighting the achievements in the last 14 years was released. Further, the august gathering was informed that DBT’s NER program shall be very soon opening a call for the young scientists of NER by the name “eCARE-YUVA”

Representatives from all NER states presented the local challenges in the respective areas. A gist of the deliberations is placed below:

Medical Biotechnology

The session was chaired by Dr. Dinakar M. Salunke, Chairman, DBT NER-TEC where stakeholders including state scientists, representatives from the state Departments and S&T Council provided their insights on the key areas where biotechnology can address local health challenges.

Animal and Aquaculture Biotechnology

This session was chaired by Dr. G. Krishna, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai having deliberations on the key issues of all the 8 NER States where biotechnology can intervene in the important area of Animal and Aquaculture including Fisheries.

Agriculture Biotechnology and Allied Sciences

The session was chaired by Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, ICGEB, New Delhi, Co-Chairman, DBT NER-TEC, where stakeholders including state scientists, representatives from the state Departments and S&T Councils provided their valuable inputs on the pressing issues in the field of Agriculture, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants and Bioresources where biotechnology can make an impact.

Bioenergy and Environment Research

The session was chaired by Dr. G. Narahari Sastry, IIT, Hyderabad, where stakeholders including state scientists, representatives from the state Departments and S&T Council provided their insights on availability of resources and the key areas where biotechnology can address the local challenges in the area of Bioenergy and Environment Research.

The meeting ended with fruitful discussions and important takeaways towards developing a future roadmap for the NER by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, GOI.