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The science of ‘Biotechnology’ is taking rapid strides. By integrating life sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering and computer sciences, biotechnology can have profound impact in the fields of agriculture, medicine, animal husbandry and environmental protection. The past several years have witnessed a great conversion of this science into economic benefits due to its applications in many areas. The science of biotechnology is not limited to laboratories but is emerging as an industrial revolution worldwide. Apart from the potential for the industrial growth, biotechnology is also emerging as a ‘technology of’ hope’ for society, especially in developing countries. The potential of biotechnology in producing low cost medicines, nutrition rich food, remediation of environmental degradation, improvement of live stock breeds and health, among many others are well recognized.

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The Government of Gujarat has therefore taken up a mission to facilitate the development of biotechnology in the state and extend the benefits of this technology to the industrial sector and society in the state. Gujarat is well known for its well-developed industrial scenario and infrastructure. The political and economic stability of the state, well defined industrial policy, together with some well-known research institutions, a vibrant and responsive corporate sector make it a very suitable location and destination for biotechnology-related investments and activities in the state.

Situated on the western coast of India, it has a forest cover of 18.87 lakh hectares. This, combined with the vast agricultural sector, hosts a very rich biodiversity. The coastal areas of the state along the 1600 km long coastline provide a rich fauna of marine varieties that can be converted into various industrial products with the use of biotechnology.

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Gujarat is well known for its academic and research institutional network. The state hosts one of Asia’s largest agriculture universities, the Gujarat Agriculture University. It also has a number of national and international level institutions involved in biotechnology research and development such as the M.S. University, Vadodara; Sardar Patel University, Anand; Saurashtra University, Rajkot; Central salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, B.V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre, Ahmedabad etc. These institutions provide a strong scientific back-up to the state’s biotechnology initiatives and also develop the human resources necessary for the growth of the biotechnology industry in Gujarat. The National Dairy Development Board, ICAR centers etc. also add to the state’s institutional resources. The Government of Gujarat has established a State Biotechnology Council, chaired by the Chief Minister of the State. The Council and the concerned organs of the State Government are dedicated to the cause of biotechnology and intend to bring the benefits of this ‘wonder technology’ to the state of Gujarat.

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The state hosts some of the country’s leading biotechnology companies. To mention a few, some of the leading biotech
industries of the state include Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Zydus Cadila Ltd., Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Torrent Gujarat Biotech Ltd, Sarabhai-Piramal Ltd., Maps India, Gujarat Life Sciences Ltd, Gujarat State Fertilizers Corp., Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizer Co., etc. The state also hosts a large number of small and medium scale industries engaged in the development and production of various agriculture, pharmaceuticals and environmental biotechnology products.

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Secretary

Department of Science & Technology

Block No. 7, New Sachivalaya

Gandhinagar 382 010
Phone No. : 00-91-79-23250321/22/23, 23222107
Email: secdst@gujarat.gov.in

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Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) is a State level nodal agency to facilitate the use of spatial and geo-spatial technologies for the developmental and planning activities pertaining to Agriculture, Land and Water Resource Management, Wasteland/Watershed Development, Forestry, Disaster Management, Infrastructure and Education using Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). It provides services in the following field.

Satellite Communication:

For the promotion and facilitation of the use of tele-conferencing network for distant interactive training, education and extension.

Remote Sensing:

Application for Inventory, Mapping, Developmental planning and monitoring of natural & man-made resources.

Geographic Information System:

For conceptualisation and creation of multi-purpose common digital database for sectoral / integrated decision support systems.

Software Development:

For wider usage of geo-spatial applications and to provide simultaneous support system available to concurrent users.

Training and Awareness Programmes:

By means of seminars and training to transfer technologies to large number of end users and collaborators.

Also Centre is looking forward to strengthen its activities by providing online geo-spatial information and emergency communication facility across the state.

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• To identify and satisfy needs of the State by facilitating use of remote sensing, GIS and communication technology in decision-making process of the state.
• To provide linkage between state capital, districts and talukas for distant training, information dissemination and communication.
• To promote the technology of Remote Sensing & GIS by training and establishing network linkages with backup support.
• In house Research & Development and collaboration so as to provide state-of-the-art technology to the State on a regular basis.

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The Centre has 11 workstations comprising Silicon graphics 02, Indy, DEC Alpha 500 , IBM RS6000 workstations. There are two PC Servers and a number of personal computers. The combined storage capacity is 750 GB. Other peripheral devices include CD-ROMs, FDD's, DAT drives, CD-Writers, Inkjet A0 size plotter, scannar and digitizer. All the computers are networked. The operating system is Irix, UNIX, WINDOWS NT and MS Windows. The Centre has various GIS and image processing softwares to carry out activities.  There are ten light tables, two procom's optical enlargers and one large format optical enlarger. The equipments are used to prepare thematic maps and photo interpretation of satellite images on various scales. BISAG has a Seminar Room (150 seats), Conference Room, and latest projection systems.

BISAG has a rich satellite data archive and a library. The library has good collection of books, dissertation reports of students and latest journals and magazine.

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• To setup a State Natural Resource Management System (SNRMS).
• To develop approaches for integrated resources data management.
• To promote the use of SATCOM networks for distant interactive training and education in the State.
• To provide services/consultancy based on specific user needs in the field of Remote Sensing and GIS.
• To transfer applied technologies to a large number of end users in the State Government through training programmes /seminars.
• To provide wider usage of geo-spatial applications through simultaneous support systems / software to concurrent users.

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D-6, M.S. Building, Sector-II, Gandhinagar-382011,
Gujarat, India. Phone: +91-79-23235469,23235475

Fax: +91-79-23235506. E-Mail: BISAGgujarat@yahoo.com

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A satellite communication ( SATCOM) network service consisting of subsidiary networks of various educational institutions, government departments and voluntary agencies to facilitate easier and faster distant interaction in the developmental and educational activities of the state.

The SATCOM network configuration consists of Digital uplink earth station, TV studio, Receiving classroom (1 way video/ 2 way audio) Direct Reception System (DDRS), Space segment containing extended C-band transponder (INSAT–3B) and Transmission on training and development communication channel (TDCC) of ISRO, GOI.

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SATCOM has established networks for District Collectorate, DRDA, Gujarat Agriculture    University, Health Department, SEWA, Tribal Department, Gujarat Vidyapith, DPEP, GCERT, Govt Polytechnic, Engineering college and Baba Saheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU).

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Remote sensing applications have provided impetus to planning and developmental activities at grass root level through Inventory and Mapping of natural resources as well as enhanced monitoring and management potential in various disciplines.

Various application areas of remote sensing are: 

• LAND RESOURCES
• WATER RESOURCES
• AGRICULTURE
• DISASTER MANAGEMENT
• ENVIRONMENT
• URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING