Shillong, Oct 16: The Meghalaya government has proposed setting up a dedicated biotechnology park to house 100 biofoundries and biomanufacturing units, alongside financial incentives for startups, research institutions and investors, under its draft Meghalaya Biotechnology Policy.
The draft policy, prepared by the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC) under the Planning, Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development Department, aims to harness the state’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge to generate employment, promote research and attract investment.
The government has invited suggestions and recommendations from the public and stakeholders before finalising the policy. Citizens, farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, academic institutions, industry representatives and community organisations have been asked to submit their inputs by October 23.
The proposed biotechnology park will serve as a centre for research, innovation and commercial production, with plans to establish biotechnology clusters, innovation hubs and biomanufacturing facilities across districts.
According to the draft, the state aims to strengthen its biotechnology ecosystem through shared laboratories, incubation centres, pilot-scale production facilities and advanced research infrastructure. It also proposes establishing dedicated facilities for drug development and healthcare formulations based on Meghalaya’s traditional medicine systems.
Focus on agriculture, healthcare and traditional knowledge
The policy identifies agriculture, food security, healthcare, industrial biotechnology and environmental sustainability as key areas for development.
In agriculture, biotechnology applications are proposed for crops such as Lakadong turmeric, pineapple, ginger, Khasi mandarin, black pepper and mushrooms. The draft envisages support for tissue culture laboratories, biofertiliser and biopesticide production, climate-resilient crop research and value-added food products.
It also proposes scientific validation of traditional medicinal knowledge, development of herbal and phytopharmaceutical products, and research into bioactive compounds from indigenous medicinal plants.
Environmental applications, including wastewater treatment, waste management, bioenergy, biofuels and biodiversity conservation, are among the other priority areas.
Financial support for startups and investors
The draft provides for capital subsidies, interest subvention, reimbursement of state GST, power subsidies and assistance for patent filing.
Eligible biotechnology startups in prioritised sectors could receive financial assistance covering up to 75% of expenditure on participating in trade fairs, exhibitions and business development events, subject to a ceiling of ₹10 lakh per startup annually.
The policy also proposes support for research fellowships, skill development, technology transfer and commercialisation, with an emphasis on creating employment opportunities for local youth.
A proposed Biotechnology Single Window Facilitation System would streamline approvals and provide online application tracking and investor assistance.
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