The economy of Uttarakhand can be strengthened by developing biotechnology in the State. State Agriculture and Biotechnology Minister Harak Singh Rawat said this after inaugurating the camp office of the Uttarakhand State Biotechnology Department at Premnagar in the presence of Dehradun Cantt MlA Harbans Kapoor here on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Rawat said that biotechnology can be used for revolutionary experiments in horticulture to harvest increased quantities of local and foreign crops, fruits and vegetables on limited space. There is also need for research and development for medicines to prevent and treat various ailments affecting cattle and crops. Biotechnology can also play an important role when it comes to research and development work for formulating preventive measures for ailments affecting humans.
In order to encourage biotechnology, the State has appointed a director at the biotechnology directorate at Pantnagar, reopened the lab there and appointed technical staff through UPNl for operating the machines. Rawat said that soon a laboratory will be established at the department’s camp office in Dehradun. He stressed that talented students of the science stream should be developed into junior scientists. He expressed hope that biotechnology will make important contribution to development of Uttarakhand. MlA Harbans Kapoor thanked the State government for opening the department’s camp office in his constituency.
He said that the State government has to work to address problems in various spheres like the need for doctors and teachers in many areas. Pointing at immense possibilities for development in biotechnology, Kapoor expressed hope that the department will be able to execute important tasks in this direction.
Secretary, Biotechnology Deepak Gairola, additional secretary, Biotechnology, Vijay Kumar Dhaundiyal, director, Biotechnology, KP Singh, district horticulture officer Sanjay Srivastav and other officials were also present on the occasion.