Odishatoday.com >> Interview>> Bio-IT Park to be the jewel in Biotech crown in Orissa: Rebeeca Nayar

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Bio-IT Park to be the jewel in Biotech crown in Orissa

Rebecca Nayar, Director, Biotechnology, Government of Orissa

Slowly and steadily Biotechnology is gaining ground in India. On the backdrop of steady growth of biotechnology, the Orissa Government has taken a pro-active role in initiating plans for setting up a Bio-It park in the state.

The Government is planning well for the growth of this sector. In an Exclusive interview with Odishatoday.com's Santosh Kumar Maharana on the last day of Bangalore Bio 2007 in Bangalore, Mrs. Rebecca Nayar, Director, Biotechnology, Govt. of Orissa spelled out the government's initiatives and vision for biotechnology in Orissa. She is of the opinion that Orissa is poised to emerge as the Biotech hub of the country.

She also discussed about the prospects of Nanotechnology in the state. Here are the excerpts of the interview

Santosh Kumar Maharana: How do you feel coming to Bangalore and attending an international exhibition like the "Bangalore Bio 2007"?

Rebecca Nayar: I feel very happy to be participating in this Event. It will be helpful for the growth of biotechnology in Orissa.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: How it will be helpful for Orissa's Biotechnological growth?

Rebecca Nayar: Exposure is very important for any kind of growth, and by coming to "Bangalore Bio 2007", we are able to get the exposure that will help us plan our initiatives. We gained a lot by interacting with different organizations, Companies, foreign delegates and highlighted the various aspects that Orissa has to offer with respect to facilities in the Bio Pharma-IT Park, Incubator in the premises of the Park, Loaded Laboratories, etc, which will be helpful in facilitating the growth of biotechnology in Orissa.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: What are the steps so far been taken by the Orissa government for development of Biotechnology in the state?

Rebecca Nayar: Several initiatives have been taken by the government for the development of Biotechnology in the state. Establishment of Bio Pharma-IT Park is the major step, which would propel biotech growth and attract Biotech companies to set shop in Orissa.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: Could you please provide some updates on the status of this Bio-IT Park?

Rebecca Nayar: We intend to have a Bio Pharma -IT Park in Phase -I at Andharua in BBSR over approx. 71 acres in Phase I and for this the process for RFQ has been completed. The Phase -II will be extended out on approx. 200 acres at Deras farm in BBSR.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: : What is the present strategy of the Orissa Government on BT-IT Park?

Rebecca Nayar: As I said earlier, Orissa Government intends to have the Bio Pharma Park in Two Phases.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: When the works for the Bio-IT Park will get completed?

Rebecca Nayar: We are working on this issue, and will be completed as soon as possible.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: What are the other plans of Orissa Government for Biotechnology?

Rebecca Nayar: There is a plan for also having a Marine Biotechnology Park at Berhampur as the Berhampur University has the Marine Sciences Department and Ocean Development Department.

The Government is also focusing much on the development and establishment of Nanotechnology in the state as soon as possible.

Another plan is to have a full fledged Biotechnology Directorate, which will exclusively deal with Biotechnology. As technology is ever changing, this will help us update ourselves with the latest technology.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: Has the Government allotted land for the proposed Marine Biotechnology Park in Berhampur?

Rebecca Nayar: The process is on.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: Has the government taken any steps to invite biotech companies to the state? If so which companies have shown interest?

Rebecca Nayar: Till now, eight companies have shown their interest in Orissa through the RFQ.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: Will there be simultaneous growth of the Pharmaceutical sector due to the Biotech growth in the state, as they are interrelated?

Rebecca Nayar: Of course. We intend to strengthen our Pharma Sector in the State. As technology is always growing, I think Nanotechnology will overtake Biotechnology.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: What are the prospects for Nanotechnology in Orissa?

Rebecca Nayar: As technology is ever growing, I think soon Nanotechnology will take over Biotechnological growth in Orissa. The Institute of Material Science has already taken initiatives for it and the Govt. of Orissa has also taken steps to make it successful.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: What are the initiatives taken by the Orissa Government for Nanotechnology?

Rebecca Nayar: The process is on.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: What are the steps taken by the Government of Orissa for the exposure of students and scientists on Biotechnology?

Rebecca Nayar: Yes, the government of Orissa has conducted many seminars, workshops, conferences, and counseling programs for students to create awareness among them in Biotechnology. Now as you can see we have been encouraged by the State Government to participate in this Event to showcase Development of Biotechnology in the State and have won the First Prize for the Best Stall for Best Content & presentation.

Santosh Kumar Maharana: Thanks you very much Mrs. Rebecca Nayar for talking to us.

Rebecca Nayar: Thank you.