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1. Main thrust of activities
The International Cooperation in DBT envisages to foster international linkages in Biotechnology in order to:
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Assist in implementation of national programmes through transfer of knowledge between various countries
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Open avenues for interaction in areas leading to acquisition of knowledge available within the country
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Building bridges to promote and strengthen bilateral ties through participation in joint R&D programmes
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Capacity building in high–tech areas through training and exchange programmes
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Share expertise in S&T and large scale facilities with developed and developing nations
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Understand the different cultural approaches to scientific research
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To add to the economic well being of the country
2. Achievements
During 9th Plan, bilateral collaborations with various countries and multi-lateral collaborations with SAARC and ASEAN were undertaken. The activities include joint R&D projects, human resource development, exchange of visits, joint workshops and academia-industry interaction. The achievements country wise are given below:
USA: A joint statement was signed between the Government of India and Government of USA on the expansion of Indo-US collaboration on Contraceptive and Reproductive Health Research during November 1997. The implementing agencies in India are Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Indian Council of Medical Research, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research with Department of Biotechnology as Nodal Agency. The US implementing agencies are National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, USAID and CONRAD. Specific areas identified for collaboration include new reversible male contraceptive methods, long acting injectables for women, barrier methods for contraception and STDs, emergency contraceptives, social and behavioral research, STDs and RTIs, epdemiology, immuno-contraception, transgenic animal models for reproductive research etc.
Nine projects have been implemented so far under this programme. Major achievements of the programme are as under:
Infrastructure facilities created at collaborating institutions
New R&D collaborative relations developed
Four meetings of the Joint Working Group were held alternatively in India and USA to consider new projects and review the ongoing programme.
Training has been accomplished to 4 Indian scientists under the training programme titled 'Frontiers in Reproduction: Molecular and cellular concepts and applications' at Marine Biology Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA with the support of the programme
Six workshops/training programmes were held on identified priority areas.
Under DBT - CONRAD agreement two projects were implemented at NII and three projects are ongoing at IRR, Mumbai.
Sri Lanka: Under the framework of the Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology for the period 1999-2000, the Department of Biotechnology had signed an Agreed Work plan for cooperation in Biotechnology between India and Sri Lanka on 19.5.1999. Specific areas and institutes were identified for cooperation under this work plan and a time frame was agreed for the activities. The cooperation includes joint research and development, training and exchange of information.
Achievements
Five projects implemented : on Malaria at MRC, Delhi ; multi-institutional project on 'Plant transformation (millets)' at JNU; ICGEB; UDSC, New Delhi and NBRI, Lucknow.; Development of therapeutic products based on plant derived immunomodulatory compounds' at NII; Evaluation of Biotechnological processes for treatment of waste waters generated from textile and desiccated coconut industries' at NEERI, Nagpur and Development of cell lines from marine fish with a potential for aquaculture' at College of Fisheries, Mangalore.
Sweden: Under the joint collaborative programme initiated in 1992 with support from Department of Biotechnology and Swedish Agency for Research and Cooperation in Developing Countries (SAREC) now called Swedish International Agency for Development and Cooperation (SIDA), four projects were implemented at CFTRI, Mysore; NCL, Pune; PROMED, Chennai and NEERI, Nagpur. Two projects titled 'Soluble immobilized bioconjugates for enzyme purification and biocatalysis' and 'Lipase catalysed biotransformation(s) in non-aqueous medium' were completed at IIT, Delhi.
Achievements
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A process for production of lactic acid using a strain of Lactobacillus plantarium was developed and the technology was transferred to M/s.Prathishta Biotech Ltd., Secunderabad.
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A biosensor system including electrode and electronic circuit for monitoring lactic acid in fermented broth was developed and technology transferred to M/s.Solid State Technologies Ltd., Pune. Flow-injection analysis systems for on-line monitoring lactic acid and simultaneous monitoring of lactic acid and glucose were developed.
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Affinity precipitation protocols using insoluble polymers were developed. A new approach of sequential precipitation with the polymers was developed and successfully used for purification of b-glucosidase from T.longiobrashiatum.
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Synthesis process of fatty acids and alcohols was optimised.
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Tissue culture protocols for Pinus tree have been developed.
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Cryopreservation of teak through apical and axillary meristems of commercial micropropagation standardised.
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Biosensors for blood lipid parameters have been developed.
United Kingdom: A Memorandum of Understanding was been signed on 9.2.1998 for cooperation in the area of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences between DBT and BBSRC, UK. Projects are being developed through interaction between experts. Areas identified are Food Biotechnology, Vaccines for communicable and non communicable diseases, Diagnostics for infectious and non-infectious diseases, Bioprocess engineering and down stream processing and Exchange of information on technology transfer.
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In a completed project titled 'Genetic and molecular analysis of anthracyclin' at MKU, Madurai, conditions were optimized for production of anthracyclin (Daunomycin and adriamycin) in Streptomyces.
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A project titled 'Role of co-stimulatory molecules in the regulation of anti-leishmanial immune response' is completed at NCCS, Pune.
Germany : Five projects were completed one at University of Hyderabad and four at JNU, New Delhi. Three ongoing projects being implemented at GNDU, Amritsar, College of Fisheries, Mangalore and Drosophila Stock Centre, Indore have shown good progress. One project tiled 'Enzymatic modification of Cicer arietinum as a nutritious food' has been approved for implementation at J.S.S.College of Pharmacy, Ootacamund during June 2001. The Department signed a new agreement with Forschungzentrum Julich GMBH (FZJ), Germany for cooperation in Biotechnology on 15.2.2001. Areas identified for cooperation include Isolation and characterization of microorganisms for production of metabolites; NMR-Spectroscopy-techniques for investigation of metabolic pathways/designs; Synthesis, regulation and transport mechanisms of secreted proteins in Gram-positive bacteria; Over expression of proteins and proteins design by genetic engineering; Development of Microbial processes for bio-transformation using microbiological, biochemical and genetic technologies; Development of bioreactors for laboratory and for industrial purposes; Reaction and process engineering techniques to obtain low molecular weight metabolites; Synthesis of chiral molecules and active substances using combined enzyme catalyzed and chemical reactions; Signal transduction and ion transport in sensory neurons and other cells; Neuroinformatics and New Applications for Bacterial Enzymes and New Cell Culture techniques. The cooperation also include the exchange and training of scientists, joint execution of scientific projects as well as reciprocal support in procurement of scientific equipment.
Two Indian scientists have been identified for training in the FZJ and GBF laboratories in the areas of genome analysis and gene function focusing on range of infectious diseases, development of transgenic animals etc.
Nine proposals have already been received for consideration of support and a joint workshop has been agreed for February 2002.
Myanmar: Under the protocol of Cooperation in Science & Technology signed in New Delhi in june 1999 between the governments of india and myanmar and the recommendations of the first meetings of joint working group held in yangon during April 2000, a delegation led by Secretary, Dept. of Biotechnology visited Myanmar in September 4-8, 2000. During the visit, a joint workshop on biotechnology was organised in which, besides the visiting indian delegation, 27 scientists/experts from myanmar participated. A work plan was signed in biotechnology for implementation for a period of two years w.e.f. September 2000.
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Myanmar scientist was trained for a period of three months at Central Fisheries Research Institute (CFRI) Bhubaneswar and marine product export development authority (mpeda), vishakapatnam.
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Prof. S.S.Handa, Former Director, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu identified for consultancy activities related to medicinal plants, biomapping and setting up of biotech institute/department visited myanmar in april 2001. The report prepared by the consultant on the action plan for 'Setting up of Institute of Biotechnology and Inventorisation of Medicinal Plants in Myanmar' has been sent to Myanmar for their action.
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Six projects in agricultural biotechnology prepared and sent to Myanmar side for response
Russia
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Under the Integrated Long Term Programme of Indo-Russian collaboration in biotechnology, a research and networking centre namely – Indo-Russian Centre for Biotechnology is being established at Indian Institiute of Information Technology Allahabad with a research focus in plant and medical biotechnology. Hon’ble Minister for Science & Technology has inaugurated the web site of the centre in December 2001.
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Eight joint projects in agricultural and medical biotechnology area have been formulated for implementation.
Switzerland: The new phase of Indo-Swiss collaboration in biotechnology was initiated in April 1998. An elaborate planning process resulted in organisation of joint workshops in India to identify specific areas in agriculture and environment. In the area of agriculture, biotic, abiotic stress and soil improvement bioremediation, biopesticides and biofertilisers were identified. In the area of environment, treatment of industrial effluents and environmental monitoring were considered relevant. All these areas are focused around crop productivity and protection of wheat and pulses. Subsequently, an agreement was signed between Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India and Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi in September 1999 for implementing the new phase. Under the agreement, a Joint Apex Committee (JAC) for decision making, monitoring and planning has been constituted. The first two meetings of the JAC were held in November at New Delhi and Zurich, Switzerland in July 2000. Based on peer reviewing 22 Indian and 82 International experts and recommendations of JAC, 10 joint projects involving 44 institutions in India and Switzerland and about 120 scientists and their research associates have been launched. The focus is on poverty alleviation, through improved biotechnology applications in agriculture and environment. The crops focussed of wheat and pulses. The projects ranged from soil improvement, bioremediation, biofertilisers, biopesticides, marker assisted breeding and transgenic technology including need and technology assessment and research on pro-vitamin-A rich rice or Golden Rice. Financial contribution of about Rs 15 crores was made by the Swiss side for equipments, infrastructure and exchange of visits and work shops
Mid term achievements
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Molecular markers specific to rust disease resistance in wheat identified.
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The regeneration and transformation protocols of chickpea standardized and genes for insects resistance characterized.
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A biopesticides formulation for management of insects of pulses is field tested for registration.
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A biosensor for detection of pesticide residue in soil and water is being developed.
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A phytoremediation protocol is being standardized for remediation of pesticide contaminated soils.
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A bioremediation protocol for pesticide degradation is being evaluated.
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All technologies have been integrated to provide a package for integrated crop management of wheat and pulses through biotechnological approaches by the end of project period as on March 2004.
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About 60 scientists and students have been trained in Switzerland.
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Eight workshops and one International symposium organized.
Israel: Under the India-Israel cooperation in S&T, six joint projects have been implemented during the year 1999-2000 for a period of three years in the area of human genetics as per the agreed protocol of cooperation. The joint projects are in the area of harvesting the human genome through functional genomics, a genomic search for deafness genes and mutations in India and Israel, molecular genetics of complex phenotypes of schizophrenia and Tardive Dyskinesia, human genomic diversity and continuity between West-Asia and India, a functional genomics approach using drosophila and human cell cultures to decipher terminal differentiation pathways affected in human peripheral myelinopathies and molecular understanding of neurodegenerative disorders namely Alzheimer’s Disease .
Two review seminars were held each in India and Israel .
Eight joint publications have appeared in international journals and six more publications are under submission.
A total of 13 exchange visits have taken place involving scientists and research personnel both from India and Israel.
Belarus: The Department of Biotechnology and National Academy of Sciences, Belarus have signed a Protocol of Cooperation with an agreed Work Plan during June 2000 for implementing joint projects, exchange of visits, training and technology transfer in Agricultural Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Basic Research in Molecular Biology and Bioorganic Chemistry. An India-Belarus Joint Biotechnology Panel has been constituted to oversee the progress of scientific, administrative and financial matters.
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Seven joint projects have been agreed for implementation during the year 2001. These include genetic transformation of potato, barley and wheat for high level of amino acids and disease resistance, genome analysis of flax and its relatives, development of novel biopesticides, utilisation of transgenic plants for the analysis of chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway and genetic manipulation of plants resistant to oxidation stress induced by pesticides.
Multilateral
ASEAN: Under this multilateral cooperation coordinated by Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, the Department has agreed to implement three projects in the areas of plant biotechnology, animal biotechnology and bioinformatics. The projects in the area of plant biotechnology have begun with the organisation of a joint workshop in June 2001 in New Delhi. Three projects have been launched for a period of three years (April 2002 – June 2004).
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12 scientists from ASEAN countries will be trained in Indian laboratories.
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Indian laboratories would carry out research jointly with the participating ASEAN laboratories to develop genetically engineered crops with nutritional quality and disease resistance. Research on development of cosmetic formulations employing biotechnological tools and techniques as well as development of large scale tissue culture protocol for Durian species (edible fruit from Brunei) and edible bamboos from Vietnam are envisaged.
SAARC member countries:
A document prepared by the Department for Institutional Framework for Cooperation amongst SAARC Countries was distributed among the SAARC members for their comments at the SAARC Technical Group Meeting on S&T. Based on inputs from Member States, a Document was prepared for Cooperation in Biotechnology amongst SAARC member countries which included information received from Member States in the areas of : plant tissue culture and sustainable extension (Nepal); inventory of various herbal formulations used in the traditional system of medicine (Bangladesh); inventory of various herbal formulations used in the traditional system of medicine (Bangladesh); plant biotechnology, herbal product development and edible vaccines (India); new generation vaccines and diagnostics (India); use of biotechnology in the development of aquaculture (Sri Lanka); and human resource development (Pakistan). The Document was considered in the 1st meeting of the SAARC Technical Committee on S&T held in New Delhi during January 23-25, 2001 and specific programmes were identified. Issues regarding technology transfer amongst member states in the areas of vaccines and diagnostics and plant material were considered in detail. All member states were requested to send to SAARC Secretariat a list of available technologies. India was requested to prepare a concept paper on the subject. It was recommended that the paper would be commissioned through the Biotech Consortium India Ltd. (BCIL) for which SAARC Secretariat would consider financing of the paper under the SAARC Japan Special Fund. As a follow up of recommendations, the BCIL has submitted a proposal titled 'A study on available technologies and mechanisms of their transfer in SAARC region in the areas of vaccines, diagnostics and plant materials' for support under the SAARC Japan Special Fund which was sent to Ministry of External Affairs for further consideration.
International Centre For Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
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An autonomous International UN Organisation
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India, a Host Country Contributor along with Italy.
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Statute came into force on February 3, 1994
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65 member countries.
Achievements
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Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine developed.
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Diagnostic kit developed for Hepatitis C.
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Diagnostic kit developed for Hepatitis E.
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AIDS diagnostic kit transferred to Lupin Pharma.
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Human gamma interferon technology transferred to Piramal Health Care of India.
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Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone developed.
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Developed peptide; candidate vaccine for malaria.
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Diagnostic test for Gall midge resistance in rice developed.
Others:
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Conducted practical courses (>50)
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Conducted international symposiums (>20).
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Publications in Scientific Journals of repute (>550).
Target:
Interaction with International Bodies and Continue efforts to introduce Developed Countries as Member States.
Proposed programmes for the 10th Plan
The spectacular advances in the field of new biology and biotechnology, a milestone in the form of the Working Draft of Human Genome Sequence, advancements in the development of new tools and techniques, areas of cell biology, functional genomics, proteomics, etc. have become priorities both for developed and the developing nations. It is proposed to continue with the existing programmes to bring them to a logical conclusion. Future collaborations are being identified with countries to include:
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A Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education under auspices of UNESCO has already been agreed in principle
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EU and Scandenavian countries
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Latin American countries as they are also rich in biodiversity
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Bilateral programmes with ASEAN countries
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Strengthening SAARC cooperation in biotechnology
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A proposal has been prepared for setting up a 'SAARC Institutional Framework For Cooperation In Biotechnology' with DBT as a nodal center. This is under consideration with the SAARC Secretariat
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A Proposal on Commercial Tissue Culture for SAARC Countries is being developed by DBT with TERI, New Delhi as the nodal institute.
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Collaboration in food technology, specially the nutritious food area with Japan
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Human resource development, training of young scientists in the advanced areas would get high priority.
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Establishment of Multilateral/bilateral Institutions/ programmes in association with Ministry of external affairs under consideration are
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Joint centres in biotechnology specially, with Germany and France.
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Indo-ASEAN Institute of Biotechnology in Jakarta
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Indo-ASEAN Biotechnology Network
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India-Singapore Joint Biotechnology park
Important Areas for Collaboration
With the above mentioned countries the areas covered would include:
Plant, Animal, Human and Microbial Genomics: The specific areas of collaboration include comparative genomics of pathogenic microbes, mapping of buffalo and silk worm genome, identification of genomics factors responsible for genetics disorders and functional genomics involving high throughput facilities such as microarrays and proteomics.
Basic Research in New Biology: Medium term collaboration in basic research for understanding molecular and genetic phenomena of pathogenesis in plants, animals and human, plant molecular biology, biosensor development, metabolic and tissue engineering are important through joint research and establishment of centres of excellence.
Product and Process Oriented Research: Collaboration in terms of scale up / field trials and validations through technology transfer involving both techniques and materials would also be taken up. Appropriate policy decisions for sharing of IPR and commercial gains would be worked out.
Last Updated: 18th Mar 2013
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