Vast Marine Resources to Enable Odisha in Leading India’s Blue Economy:Krushna Chandra Patra

New Delhi:15/9/24: The biotechnology sector is set to enrich the Indian economy in the coming days, with marine resources playing a key role in this development. On Day 3 of Global Bio-India (GBI) 2024, a technical session titled ‘Tapping the Blue Economy’ was held, which focused on India’s maritime resources. Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha delivered a keynote address during the session.

Underscoring the vast potential of Odisha in the Blue Economy landscape, the minister highlighted how the state can lead in the biotechnology sector & largely contribute to India’s Bioeconomy. Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, Chairman BCKIC, delivered the opening remarks during the session, in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director BIRAC, Govt of India.

“Odisha boasts a vast coastline of 480 kilometers. The State Government is developing a roadmap to enhance ‘Marine Biotechnology’. The government is taking diverse steps to explore how modern technology and skills can be applied to foster economic development through marine resources,” stated Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

The Minister further noted that Odisha has immense potential in the Blue Economy. To broaden its scope, there is a need to encourage startups working in this area through increased research and support. “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the State Government aims to implement various initiatives to achieve this goal,” he added.

The government of Odisha is focusing on areas like marine biodiversity & conservation, aquaculture & fisheries, marine bioproducts, environmental sustainability etc. These areas have immense potential in augmenting India’s Bioeconomy.

On the second day of the event Chithra Arumugam, Principal Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha highlighted the state’s futuristic Biotechnology Policy while deliberating on the industry-friendly ecosystem in the Biotech sector. She was speaking at the special State Roundtable while representing Odisha on the occasion. The session was attended by policymakers, industry representatives & other stakeholders from various states.

The Odisha Pavilion in GBI 2024 highlighted Odisha’s biotechnology prospects and scope for investment in the state. The innovative biotech startups, from the state featured at the pavilion, showcased their cutting-edge technologies & solutions. These innovative startups got exposure to the futuristic trends & a scope for industry connect in the sector.

‘Global Bio-India 2024’ organized by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, began on September 12 and concluded on September 14. The event showcased the unique biological resources and immense potential of the country, where Odisha participated actively.

Senior officials of the Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha, heads of various higher education and research institutes along with scientists &researchers participated as a part of delegation from Odisha.