Gujarat announces biotechnology and agricultural development initiatives

The Gujarat government is launching several strategic initiatives focused on biotechnology and agricultural security. A proposed Rs 100-crore Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (M-BRIC) will be established in Porbandar over the next five years. This ecosystem aims to utilize marine biological resources to develop high-value products such as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and biofertilisers.

Additionally, the state is investing Rs 50 crore into an integrated bio-manufacturing ecosystem to promote the production of biofertilisers and biopesticides. This move is intended to strengthen domestic agricultural-input security and reduce dependence on conventional fertilisers, which are vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.

In the agricultural sector, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has authorized the release of 198 million cubic metres of water from the Kadana Dam to protect Kharif crops in the Kheda and Anand districts. Meanwhile, the state has also approved Rs 2.90 crore to extend Navratri Garba celebrations to a full nine-day duration at five major pilgrimage sites, including Ambaji and Modhera.