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Goa to stress on biotechnology
Monday, 13 December 2004, 20:30 IST
PANAJI: Goa, with engineer-turned politician Manohar Parikkar at its helm as chief minister, is planning to stress on biotechnology to boost its economy.
The government, which has identified biotechnology along with drugs, pharmaceuticals, food processing, IT, tourism and entertainment as thrust industrial areas, is holding a seminar 'BioGoa 2004' this weekend.
The government is keen to explore the role biotechnology can play in the small-scale sector.
"The Goa government is supporting us for the event," Goa Small Industries Association (GSIA) president Keshav K. Kamat said here.
Biotechnology, which refers to technology based on biology especially when used in agriculture, food science and medicine, can be used in several fields like: medicine and pharma, agriculture and food, marine industry and bio informatics.
The government, corporates and private entrepreneurs are looking at the possibility of developing 'biotech parks' in the state.
Kamat said that pharmaceutical units in Goa had a total export of 
10 billion (about $220 million).
"But we cannot compete with huge states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. We have to go into niche areas," said Kamat.
He said more steps were required in this front.
"Goa still doesn't have a notified airport. The industrial policy has taken two-and-half years to emerge, and the biotech policy is also taking time," he said.
According to GSIA sources, by virtue of its location, Goa was rich in tropical biodiversity, with the Western Ghats' ecosystem and rivers.
Source: IANS
10 billion (about $220 million).
"But we cannot compete with huge states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. We have to go into niche areas," said Kamat.
He said more steps were required in this front.
"Goa still doesn't have a notified airport. The industrial policy has taken two-and-half years to emerge, and the biotech policy is also taking time," he said.
According to GSIA sources, by virtue of its location, Goa was rich in tropical biodiversity, with the Western Ghats' ecosystem and rivers.
Source: IANS