In 1982, Government of India set up an official agency, ‘The National Biotechnology Board (NBTB) which started functioning under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

In 1986, NBTB was replaced a full-fledged department, the department of biotechnology (DBT), under the ministry of science and technology for planning, promotion and coordination of various biotechnological programmes.

Today, India has the DBI, DSI, CSIR, ICMR and IARI and other agencies, which are working under the government. These agencies and the other National and International Industries are manufacturing Biotech products and Marketing then after Clinical trials. A technology development Board (TDB) ahs bee setup by the government for the promotion of product development.

The TDB works with universities, Industries and National Institutes. The technology information, forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) has prepared a ‘vision 2020’ document which consists of biotechnology also.

These are many companies in India, which are producing the modern biotech products such as Wipro, Reliance, Life Science, and Pennetia biotech limited.

Since 1980, India as supported a lot to biotechnology industry and its products. Teaching and research of biotechnology have been included in university’s syllabi both at U.G. and P.G. levels.

DBT supported departments are running in several universities and institutions.

In addition, the other centers for biotechnology in India are: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izzatnagar (U.P.); Central Food and Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore; National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal (Haryana); Malaria Research Centre (MRC), Delhi; Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) etc.

Research and Development

Under the overall guidance of 16 Task Forces, relevant research programs, both in basic and applied areas of biotechnology has been supported. The project formulation groups, brain storming sessions and presentations by the scientists were organized for evolving multi-disciplinary, integrated, multi institutional projects in some areas such as human genetics, food biotechnology, silk worm, oil palm upstream research etc.

Some important R & D leads are :

• Tissue culture protocols for apple soapnut and rosewood have been developed and standarised.
• Transgenic silkworms expressing luciferase gene from firely have been produced for standarsizing the procedure for gene transfer.
• Integrated management for the control of Uzi fly reduced the incidence OF pests by 76% in demonstrations.
• Vaccines for Ranikhet disease of poultry and Herps virus in cattle are ready for commercialization.
• Indigenous feed developed for aquaculture has been tried comparative cost of the indigenous feed is estimated at Rs. 25.00 per kg compared to Rs. 40.00 per kg of the imported one.
• A tuberculosis probe has been tested for disease diagnosis with 80 to 90% efficacy.
• Monoclonal antibodies for the detection of neuroectodermal tumors have been developed.
• Antibody detection kit for as pergillosis has been used for various research centers and is working well. For commercialization, industries have been approached.
• A genomic DNA library of Plasmodium vivax has been developed.
• DNA libraries of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H 37 RV and Ms megmatis vectors have been generated.
• Genes responsible for increased susceptibility to infectious disease (Leprosy and Pulmonary tuberculosis) have been identified using extensive analysis of HLA by DNA - RLFP and oligonucleotide probes.
• Species-specific DNA isolation protocols for mangroves and endangered plants have been developed.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests under 'Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989', under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The Rules of 1989 also define five competent authorities i.e. the Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC), Review Committee of Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), State Biotechnology Coordination Committee (SBCC) and District Level Committee (DLC) for handling of various aspects of the rules

In April 2014, Jute crop has been genetically modified. Developed by the University of Calcutta, GM jute is set to be sent for commercial approval to the regulator, Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), next month. If approved, GM jute will be the second crop of its kind after GM cotton was approved for commercialisation in 2002.

Companies like Monsanto Holdings Private Ltd, Bayer Bioscience Pvt Ltd, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Co Ltd (Mayhco), Syngenta Biosciences Pvt Ltd, BASF and Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur are waiting to conduct field trials and seeking extension of validity for event selection trials for certain varieties of cotton, maize, rice, wheat and castor.

The clearances are put on hold keeping in mind the ongoing case in the Supreme Court challenging the existing regulatory mechanism for GM crops in the country. Also, the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) bill pending with the Parliamentary Standing Committee is showing no sign of progress.

Zinc in Young Children

A revelation of a recent study by DBT will help in saving the new born children provided its outcome is put into proper application. Treating young children with suspected serious bacterial infection with zinc in addition to standard antibiotics significantly reduces the likelihood of treatment failure .Zinc is an accessible, low-cost intervention that could add to the effect of antibiotic treatment and lead to substantial improvement in treatment outcomes, particularly in low and middle income countries where millions of children die from serious infections every year, and where second-line antibiotics and appropriate intensive care might not be easily available”

Biosecurity emergencies

On the recommendation of the Authority, Central government can declare a biosecurity emergency in an area in case of an outbreak, distribution, or spreading of a pest or organism, which has the potential to cause a significant loss to biosecurity. Such declaration shall cease to have effect after six months unless it is revoked earlier. During the biosecurity emergency, the centre may give directions to the Authority for managing or eradicating the organism due to which the emergency has been declared. Authority may notify a scheme for the management or eradication of such an organism, with the prior approval of the central government.

Institutional framework

• Through the support given by DBT at the Indian Institute of Science, (IISC) Bangalore and the centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, the basic infrastructures have been developed and significant research leads have been obtained as described below.
• IISc, Bangalore: Significant advances have been made in the understanding of the molecular biology and immunology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The DNA Gyrase gene of this organism has been isolated from a library and is being sequenced.
• CCMB, Hyderabad: A salt sensitive expression vector has been developed and tried with several genes successfully.. A gene referred to as “lestis organiser” has been identified and monitored in a variety of sexually abnormal individuals.
• Centers for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMBs): DNA finger printing technology in rice and its application in seed certification has been demonstrated. Transgenic plants of mustard with insect resistance gene were field-tested.
• At the J.N. Vyas University, Jodhpur, a number of protocols are refined for large-scale multiplication for arid zone tree species. In vitro production o saffron stigma has been achieved from ovary explants.
• A genetic and pre-natal counseling clinic is functioning at the PGIMER, Chandigarh, a thalassemia awareness program has been launched, a number of cases have been analyzed for chromosomal abnormality.

Autonomous Institutions

• The Department of Biotechnology has set up two autonomous institutions, National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi and National Facilities for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture (NFATCC), Pune.
• National Institute of Immunology (NII) NII has been working on the mechanisms of the immune system so as to work out comprehensive solutions to a plethora of health problems. The main areas of research are birth control vaccines; vaccine for communicable diseases; immunodiagnostics kit development etc So far, the Institute has delivered eight products to the industry.
• National Facilities for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture (NFATCC)Since its inception, the NFATCC has been actively involved in cell repository and supply of cell lines. The principal objectives of the Facility are to identify, maintain, store, propagate and supply of human and animal cell lines, establishment of technology for collection, maintenance and supply of various human organs like cornea, skin and bone marrow.
• The Facility has successfully developed cell culture from human foetal tissues. Studies on screening antimalarials against chloroquine resistant malaria parasite strains have been carried out.

National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-20

The National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-20 was unveiled by the Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.

Objectives

The National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-20 aims to establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub. It intends to launch a major mission, backed with significant investments, for the creation of new biotech products, create a strong infrastructure for R&D and commercialization, and empower India’s human resources scientifically and technologically. It aims to turn the sector into a US$ 100 billion industry with focus in areas of healthcare, food and nutrition, clean energy and education. It is aimed at ensuring strategic and focused investment in building human capital by setting up a Life Science and Biotechnology Education Council which will spearhead the initiative. Research will be intensified in the field of vaccines, humane genome, infectious and chronic diseases, crop science, animal agriculture and aqua culture, food and nutrition, environmental management and technologies for clean energy.

Key Elements of strategy

• Building a Skilled Workforce and Leadership
• Enhance Research opportunities in basic, disciplinary and inter-disciplinary sciences
• Encourage use-inspired discovery research
• Nurturing innovation, translational capacity and entrepreneurship
• Ensuring a transparent, efficient and globally best Regulatory system and communication strategy
• Biotechnology cooperation- Fostering global and national alliances
• Strengthen Institutional Capacity with redesigned governance models