Rs 200 crore state-of-the-art marine biotech institute to be set up in TN

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

A state-of-the-art institute of marine biotechnology is likely to be set up in Tamil Nadu to tap the marine wealth, a highly placed source said.

Talking to Express on the sidelines of the Chennai Aquaculture Technology Meet here on Wednesday, the source said more than Rs 200 crore biotechnology institute is likely to come up in the state and the government is looking for a suitable site.

The institute will focus on product and process development besides research to tap the marine wealth and discover new drugs for various diseases, including Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the source said. The institute will also help in technology transfer, patents besides other commercial ventures, he said.

He said the venue will be announced only after the finalisation of the XIIth plan.

Meanwhile the state is searching for venues to set up seven marine food parks in the state. “It is in the initial stage,” said a official who is part of the committee to the identify the sites.