Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday reviewed the operational framework and sustainability plan for Industrial Biotech Parks being established in Kathua and Handwara and stressed the need to transform them into centres of innovation and biotechnology-driven industrial growth.
The meeting reviewed infrastructure readiness, governance mechanisms and future operational strategies for the biotech parks being developed in Kathua and Handwara.
Senior officers, scientists and experts from various institutions attended the meeting, including representatives from CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine and Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance.
During the review, the chief secretary assessed infrastructure developed at the Industrial Biotech Park at Ghatti Kathua and also reviewed progress on the Handwara Biotech Park project.
He directed the Science and Technology Department to address governance gaps and establish a professional management system for efficient day-to-day operations and optimum utilisation of the facilities.
Atal Dulloo also stressed the need for clearly defining the responsibilities of the Science and Technology Department and CSIR-IIIM Jammu in creating a supportive ecosystem for startups, entrepreneurship and capacity building.
He called for development of measurable key performance indicators with defined timelines to ensure tangible outcomes and directed CiTaG to provide support in strengthening the operational framework of the parks.
Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology Department Babila Rakwal informed the meeting that efficient functioning of the parks would require professional management and institutional support, particularly from IIIM Jammu.
Director CSIR-IIIM Zabeer Ahmed and CEO CiTaG Sandeep Ananthanarayanan gave detailed presentations regarding infrastructure, functionality and long-term operational strategies for the biotech parks.
Officials informed the meeting that the Kathua facility, spread over nearly 10 acres, has been equipped with advanced infrastructure including fermentation and enzyme production units, medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation facilities, micro-propagation laboratories, farmer and youth skill development centres and central instrumentation facilities.
The meeting was informed that the Kathua Biotech Park also houses a BIRAC-BioNEST incubator aimed at supporting agri-based startups and enterprises in sectors such as agriculture, nutraceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals, aroma and food processing, fermentation and healthcare biotechnology.
Officials further informed that several initiatives including farmer workshops, skill development programmes, Mission YUVA awareness activities and conferences on AI-driven innovations in agriculture and drug discovery have already been organised at the Kathua facility.
Regarding the Handwara Biotech Park, the meeting was informed that the project is progressing steadily and is envisioned as a major biotechnology and innovation hub for Kashmir.
The meeting also discussed manpower requirements, startup support systems, industry linkages and alignment of the parks with the Government of India’s emerging bio-economy initiatives.
The chief secretary stressed that both parks should emerge as engines of scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and biotechnology-led employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir.
