Role of DBT in Promoting Biotechnology-Based Development in North East India

Since 2009-2010, DBT has been making concerted effort towards development of North Eastern Region (NER) of India. Under its Twinning Programme, >300 collaborative research projects are currently underway, between NER institutions and those from rest of the country. Advanced diagnostic infrastructure established in medical colleges/institutions in NER has enhanced quality of disease diagnosis and patient care. Network projects on organic farming, Jhum cultivation, and value addition on cash crops and animal products have benefited the farmers of NER. Centres/ Units of Excellence and Biotech Hubs, established across NER, are promoting quality research, education and training in biosciences.DBT awards National and Overseas Associateships to NER scientists for advanced training at leading institutions in India or abroad. DBT's Visiting Research Professorship programme allows eminent scientists to mentor young faculty in NER institutions. In a unique initiative to motivate young students, DBT provides support for setting up basic biotechnology labs in senior secondary schools in NER. All in all, DBT's NER programme has been relentlessly fostering quality research in biosciences, creating a large pool of skilled manpower, and establishing high-end infrastructure facilities in various areas under biotechnology. Green shoots of biotechnology-led development in NER are now strikingly visible.