Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology approved

As per the new article (here) and press release (here) from PIB, Govt. of India .The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Research and Education for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IIAB) in Ranchi (Jharkhand) at a cost of Rs. 287.50 crore during the 12th Five year plan(2012-17).

 The National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology (NRCPB) was established in 1985 with a vision to impart the biotechnology advantage to the much-needed thrust to Indian Agriculture. Mandates of NRCPB are (i) To undertake Plant molecular biology research for understanding molecular mechanisms underlying basic biological processes;(ii) To devise tools and techniques of biotechnology for crop improvement; (iii) To apply the knowledge of genomics for advancing agricultural production; (iv) To serve as a national lead centre for plant molecular biology and biotechnology research and to create trained manpower in the area of plant biotechnology.

Mandate of the IIAB:

The mandate of the Institute would be (i) to undertake multi-disciplinary basic and strategic research with a view to future developing crops for traits such as increased yield, or increased tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress; (ii) to design and start academic programmes to develop the highly trained manpower required for fundamental research in agricultural biotechnology, and award post graduate doctoral and post-doctoral degrees; (iii) to provide its research output to breeders and developers in agricultural universities and other institutions, to develop the germplasm, vaccines etc. that would enhance productivity and reduce losses due to biotic and abiotic stress; (iv) act as a mother institute that would provide both curricula and course material to India's agricultural universities and other institutions who are running or trying to establish successful agricultural biotechnology graduate and post graduate programmes.

Programs in Institute:

IIAB The Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IIAB) at Ranchi (Jharkhand) will be established as a deemed University. It will have schools of Genomics, Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering, Nano Biotechnology, Diagnostics and Prophylactics and Basic and Social Sciences and Commercialization.

We hope that, the establishment of this institute will play vital role in the area of Agricultural Biotechnology in our country and global level also.