national bioresource development board
TRANSCRIPT
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National Bioresource Development Board
The National Bioresource Development Board (NBDB) was set up under the aegis of DBT in 1999 with a
mission to evolve a broad policy framework for research and development for sustainable utilization of
bioresources and an effective plan of action for economic prosperity of the nation through accelerated
R&D using modern tools of biosciences.
Programmes under NBDB focusses on the-
A. Energy Bioscience Programme
B. Bioprospecting and Bioresources
C. Capacity building programmes
D. National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP)
A. Energy Bioscience Programme
Overview
The overall aim of the Energy Biosciences Program is to develop efficient, viable, low cost technologies
to make Biofuels and Bioenergy a viable proposition thereby supplementing India‟s growing energy
needs and contributing substantially towards sustainable development by adding more towards clean
energy.
Department of Biotechnology has taken a lead role in developing a research base in our country for
development of Biofuel. Under Energy Bioscience program DBT has established a network of more than
60 universities, research institutes and industry in close partnership, which are working to realize the
goals set in national biofuel mission. Technologies for bioethanol and biodiesel are being scaled up
whereas technologies for bio-butanol and bio-hydrogen production are ready for scale up studies. Three
Bioenergy Centers have been set up in the country specifically to strengthen the research base in the
country in biofuel area and to promote the translation of processes and technologies from research to
scale up and commercialization.
Department has prepared the Bioenergy Road Map „Vision 2020‟ through a consultative process by an
expert group of scientists involving all researchers from institutes, universities and industries working in
this area across the country
R&D Programs & Achievements
Department has been supporting Research and Development in Energy Biosciences since 11th
Plan. The
programs are categorized into following groups for regular monitoring by various committees.
i) Bioenergy Centers of DBT
ii) Network program on Feedstock development
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a) Algae Network Program-Collection, Screening and Characterization
b) Jatropha Network Program on Multi location trials
1. DBT‟s Bioenergy Center
R&D projects for Technology development for biofuel production
Department has established three Bioenergy Center to strengthen the multidisciplinary skill base in the
country working in the area of Biofuel. The first Center was established in 2007 at Institute of Chemical
Technology (ICT) Mumbai, followed by Second in partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) at
R&D Center, Faridabad in June 2011. The third Center at International Center for Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology (ICGEB) New Dehli was started in March 2012. Each one of these Center is unique
in their strengths and capabilities to delivering towards Biofuel National Mission.
A. DBT-ICT Center for Energy Biosciences (http://www.ceb.org.in)
The DBT–ICT (Institute of Chemical Technology) Center for Energy Biosciences (CEB)
has been established at Mumbai, which has completed 5 years in December 2012. Its overall
objectives are to develop a cost effective technology for bio-ethanol production from any
given biomass, developing a bio-refinery approach for selected biomass and other biofuel
technologies such as bio-diesel, bio-hydrogen and bio-methane.
The research at the Center can be technically divided into six major areas:
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Synthetic Biology
Fermentation Technologies
Séparation Technologies
Enzyme Technology
Algal Biotechnology and
Biofuels
Major Achievements of the Center
Cellulosic Ethanol
The Center has developed an economically viable and scalable technology for cellulosic
ethanol from all types of agricultural residues and energy crops. These features include
biomass fractionation and enzymatic saccahrification to fermentable mono-sugars and lignin
followed by conversion of both C6 and C5 sugars to ethanol.
The ICT Technology for Cellulosic Ethanol, has been used to design a 10 ton biomass/day
processing plant to convert rice/wheat straw ; bagasse, and many other varieties of biomass
into sugars and lignin, and onto ethanol for use as fuel or chemical intermediate.
The designed pilot plant erected at the India Glycols Ltd. site at Kashipur, Uttarakhand with
suport from Department of Biotechnology is under operation
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DBT-ICT Technology for Lignocellulosic Sugars, Ethanol and Biochemicals: The Center
has developed a potentially economically viable and scalable technology for cellulosic sugars
and ethanol from agricultural residues. The technology is feedstock agnostic, involves several
novel features that are being patented in all over the world and the first US patent was
granted in Decemebr 2012. Scope the technology is beng further expanded at the Center to
design technologies to produce several other products like butanol, lactic acid, xylitol etc. as
co-products alongside biofuels. Several biorefinery concepts for co-production of biofules
and biochemicals have been developed at the Center and will be translated to demonstration
plants in 2013-14.
Algal Biotechnology
A state-of-the-art laboratory for algal biotechnology has been set up at the Center complete
with basic infrastructure with a sun-lit environmental chamber, 1000L and 5000L Raceway
ponds with novel designs (1m depth) as well as set of 10L controlled photobioreactors, all
equipped with microprocessor based SCADA controlled systems. Numbers of algal including
cyanobacterial species have been screened for their real-time photosynthetic efficiencies
using Pulse Amplitude Modulator Fluorimeter (PAM). Promising candidates are being
studied for improvement in biomass and/or oil productivity.
Sun-lit environmental chamber, 1000L and 5000L Raceway ponds
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Controlled photobioreactors connected with SCADA
Capability in the areas of genetic modification of selected algal strains useful for biofuel
purpose (other than model organism Chlamydomonas) has been developed.
Fermentation Technology
High cell density and immobilized cell systems were implemented for several fold higher
rates of fermentation of sugars to alcohols and acids without impairing product yields.
Metabolic flux analysis coupled with metabolic engineering has been applied to several
fermentation systems aimed at production of primary as well as secondary metabolites.
Modeling of systems exhibiting multiple steady states and hysteresis has been modeled in
collaboration with School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, USA.
Enzyme Technology
A number of viable technologies have been developed aimed at adding value to agricultural
produce of the country. Scalable and economical enzymatic processes have been developed
for
(a) Continuous hydrolysis and interesterification and transesterification of fatty oils
using indigenously developed highly stable enzyme formulations;
(b) Recovery of protein & other value addded products from agriculture processing
wastes like oil seed meal and grain bran.
Synthetic and Molecular Biology and Protein Engineering
Significant amount of work has been commenced in this important area with several potential
drop-in molecules like pentanol, terpenes and higher alkanes being targeted for bioproduction
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in collaboration with advanced laboratories like Joint BioEnergy Institute, USA and
University of Nottingham, UK.
Separation Technologies
A preparative scale Simulated Moving Bed chromatography system was installed for
continuous production of minor sugars like arabinose from xylose streams and for production
of oligosaccharides like cellobiose and cellotriose. Novel membrane technologies have been
developed for water and catalysts recycles as important components of the DBT-ICT
Biofuel/Biochemical Technology.
B. DBT IOC Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research
(i) Research Focus:
The second Bioenergy Center in partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd was established
in late 2011 which has the focus on following areas
Lignocellulosic based bio-fuels
Development of new and economical pre-treatment process
Feedstock selection/development and characterization
Process optimization for saccharification/ Fermentation and scale up
Bio-assisted / Chemical lignin de-polymerization and Lignin value addition
Algal research
Scale-up studies on algal cultivation and harvesting
Gas Fermentation
Syngas fermentation for biofuels
Life cycle analysis
Achievments of this Center are:
This Center has installed and commissioned Lignocellulosic Biomass to Ethanol pilot plant in
June 2012 under a collaborative agreement with National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL), USA. This multipurpose pilot plant is capable for pretreatment operation for
multiple feed ( wheat straw, rice straw, bagasse, cotton stalk, woody biomass etc) under a
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wide range of operating conditions ( designed for 25 bar and 250°C) and pretreatment
chemicals usage (acid, alkali and aqueous ammonium hydroxide). The plant has a continuous
pilot scale pretreatment system with effective throughput rate of 5 kg of dry feedstock/hr and
capabilities of further evaluation of pretreated biomass for conditioning, enzymatic
hydrolysis, and fermentation in a batch configuration at relatively smaller volumes. Mass
balance studies on selected feedstocks have been done on this pilot plant and are under
further optimization. More than 20 runs have been taken and data compared with the one
obtained by NREL. The facility shall be used to develop indigenous technology and further
commercialize the process for bio-ethanol production.
This Center is also closely working with other DBT Center Viz. DBT-ICT, Mumbai and
DBT-ICGEB , New Delhi.
Lignocellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant at DBT – IOC Center in collaboration with NREL
Technology.
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C. DBT-ICGEB Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research
In March 2012 the third Bioenergy Center was established at ICGEB New Delhi for
strengthening the existing capacity in Synthetic Biology and to promote the cutting edge
research in biofuel area.
The major research theme of the Center are
Genomic and metagenomic approaches for identifying novel cellulolytic enzymes
Engineering microbes for direct conversion of biomass into biofuel
Engineering microbe for production of higher value advance biofuel molecules-
Butanol & Hydrocarbon
Engineering algae for higher lipid and biomass yield
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Achievements so far
Few of the major scientific development taken place in last one year.
• Genome of a cellulolytic microbe, Paenibacillus ICGEB2008, has been sequenced using
ion torrent technology.
• System biology approach to build a metabolic pathway model and to identify genes for
key cellulolytic enzymes are underway.
• New Cellulolytic microbes from insect gut have been identified and are being
characterized for enzyme and biofuel production.
• The lab engineered C5/C6 fermenting microbe has been tested for fermentation of
lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate obtained from IOCL and India Glycol. The ethanol
yield obtained from C5/C6 sugar was ~0.45 g/g sugar.
• Cyanobacterial strains from Indian culture collection has been characterized for
alkane/alkene production
Several novel enzymes have been designed in silico and expressed in suitable hosts. The
enzymes are modified for desirable features like temperature, alkalinity and inhibition tolerance.
Notable examples are thermostable β-xylosidase from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, over-
expressed in Escherichia coli and further improvement in characteristics by mutations;
endocellulase and β-glucosidase with lower substrate inhibition and fusion proteins designed and
expressed in E. coli in collaboration with DBT-ICT Center for Energy Biosciences, ICT
Mumbai; and design and expression of a non-specific lipase from Yarrowia lypolytica.
Results have been published in 4 international journals and 3 patent applications filed. So far
laboratory infrastructure is ready for functioning with recruitment of research staff of Center.
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2. Network Programme on Feedstock development
2.1 Jatropha Micro Mission
Objective of the DBT Jatropha Micro mission was to develop elite and improved material of
Jatropha curcas for large scale plantation in the country. It also undertook to collect, select,
screen, evaluate, characterise and improve the genetic material available in the country; and
develop practices for its cultivation as energy crop in line
More than 1200 collections have been made from throughout the country by DBT Network
participating institutes. Out of these 890 collections were accessioned in the National Register;
these accessions have also been cryo-preserved in the gene bank at NBPGR, New Delhi.
The selected material was bulked up to raise nearly 17 lakh plants by clonal propagation. These
elite clonal plants were shared with various beneficiaries of the MNRE, State governments,
forest departments, Military establishments, DRDO, NGOs and Corporations working under PPP
mode. Multilocation trial of 20 promising accessions was initiated in 2007 to study the effect of
set agronomy practices, soil and agro-climatic conditions on performance of accessions at 9
partner institutes. These demonstration trials apart from identifying 400 elite selections also help
to identify major constraints in block plantation, conditions responsible for poor performance in
the field.
Collections
made by
institutes
Collections
accessioned
Accessions
used for
trials
Institutions
involved
Area under
plantation
Number of
plants in
trials
1261 890 349 13 317 ha 693696
In addition to agronomy trials, 100 accessions are also being tested for silvicultural trial along
with agro climatic performances. The three year old plants are at immature stage and will require
another two years to get the yield data.
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DBT had prepared operational guidelines for cultivation of Jatropha; however different agro
climatic conditions required specific interventions. Cultivation practices for sites with different
stress, factors like aridity, salinity, alkalinity, poor soil nutrients etc. are being developed by
planned experiemtns at different sites in the country through Network trials of DBT, NOVOD
Board and ICAR networks.
Multilocation Trials:
The major conclusions made on DBT Multilocation Network Trial for Improvement of Jatropha
are as below
(i) Best performing accessions were: IC 553592 from Biotech Park, Lucknow; IC
550461& 550462 from HNBU Garhwal; IC 471357 from NBRI Lucknow; IC
471344 from NBRI, Lucknow.
(ii) Performance at sodic soil sites was poor for initial two to three years (sodic soils)
(iii) Performance with Bio-fertilizers found as good as chemical fertilizers (sodic
soils)
(iv) Yield in Irrigated trials 2.8 times better than poorly irrigated conditions.
(v) Survivals high at North East locations.
(vi) Extended and severe heat and drought resulted in very high mortality at
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh (almost all of agri-climatic zones)
(vii) This mortality also associated with deadly fungal infection followed by termite
infestation. Macrophomina phaseolina and related fungi caused major damage at
several sites in the country.
Conservation and resource maintenance of selected Jatropha germplasm
Jatropha germplasm resource Center have been established at 5 different states (Tamil Nadu,
Odhissa, Haryana, Assam and Gujarat) for Conservation of 500 accessions of Jatropha curcas as
clonal material and seedling material for future improvement, multiplication and bulking.
R&D for Jatropha Improvement
Jatropha productivity cannot be enhanced without genetic improvement of the land race already
available in the country. A program was initiated under the DBT Network on improvement of
Jatropha by screening, breeding and through marker assisted selection and metabolic pathway
engineering.
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Genetic Improvement of Jatropha
Twenty five F1 intraspecific hybrids were developed; these intraspecific F1 hybrids were selfed
to get F2 generation seed. Progeny of these crosses is being evaluated and shall be followed up
for developing intraspecific crosses. Hybrid vigour has also been worked out for 25 intra-specific
hybrids resulting in enhanced yields due to heterosis. Progenies (half-sib) trails have been laid at
eight sites in the country (with one focal center at Udaipur where half-sib progeny of 160
accessions is being evaluated).
2.2 Algal biofuel Network Programme
Algae, as a research material for biodiesel has been identified as a priority area of research.
Studies have been initiated to collect, identify and characterize algal strains which will have
more oil/lipid content. To have large amount of biomass, mass cultivation has been started using
open pond system, (Raceway ponds), photo-bioreactor etc. Besides, growth conditions of
selected species are being optimized for high oil yield. Under this algal network programme 12
national laboratories/institutions/universities are involved from across the country.
Algae Collection and Repository (Fresh, Marine and Brackish water)
Fresh water Collection at Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development (IBSD),
Imphal, Manipur
A total of 1122 cyanobacterial and 504 Green algae isolates have been purified,
morphologically characterized and preserved at Fresh water Repository set up at IBSD Imphal.
These isolates belong to 32 genera collected from different ecological habitats of North East
Region of India and some other locations across the country.
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Marine water collection –NFMC Trichy
National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria (NFMC) at Bharathidasan University, Trichy has
been upgraded to 500 marine cyanobacterial strains and 30 marine green algae collected from
the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gujarat and Andaman island. Five potential
microalgae identified from the germplasm for high lipid content. Some of the high lipid
yielding strains have been identified among these isolates.
Brackish water collection –Institute of Material and Minerals Technology (IMMT),
Bhubaneswar
A total of 46 isolates including cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms have been collected
from different locations and have been characterized morphologically and chemically.
Identification and Characterization
All the strains in the repository have been identified based on morphological means. Molecular
characterization and the standardization of protocol for isolation of genomic DNA from
cyanobacterial isolates by using CTAB and Xanthogenate method have been done.
More than 150 strains of marine cyanobacteria belonging to various morphological groups have
been screened for their lipid productivity. Fatty acid profile of 60 strains have been studied
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which possessed long chain fatty acids maximally a prerequisite for biodiesel. Among the
strains analyzed for total lipids highest lipids content was recorded in a few species ranged from
30-52 % on dry weight basis.
Correlation of relative total lipid content and percentage of Nile red fluorescence in selected
algal strains has been developed.
Algae Biomass cultivation
Some of the promising isolates that have been characterized previously have been optimized for
open tank cultivation in a semi continuous mode at a volume of 25 to 75 litres. Optimization of
downstream processing methodologies such as harvesting, lipid extraction, Fatty acid methyl
ester (FAME) production and media recycling has been carried out with consideration of process
time, quality and economics. Outdoor mass cultivation with seawater based media has been done
for some efficient strains.
A facility of eight raceway ponds, each with 30, 000 L capacity (42 x 2.73 x 0.35m) in a closed
circular loop has been set up at IMMT Bhubneswar. The same has been put in to operation after
initial optimization studies. Cultivation have been carried out in batch mode.
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Development of bench-scale prototype reactor – extraction system for integrated CO2
sequestration, Aquatic Microbial Oxygenic Photoautotrophs (AMOPs) cultivation and
conversion to value added products has been initiated. The preliminary studies showed enhanced
growth of microalgal isolates with increasing levels of CO2. Biomass yields, productivity
chlorophyll and carotenoid content also increased with increasing levels of CO2 .
Algae Production using industrial effluents
Different industrial effluents like pharmaceutical wastewater, dairy wastewater, winery
wastewater and sewage have been studied for lipid productivity by Green Micro Algae. After
preliminary optimization studies it has been found that Green microalgae were efficient in
removing nutrients and pollutants from industrial wastewaters and produce biomass and lipids
for biodiesel preparation.
3 Technology Development through various R&D Programs
Division has also been supporting more than 60 R&D projects towards development of
technology for Bioethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol, biohydrogen, enzyme develpment
3.1 Lignocellulosic Ethanol
Department has been supporting a number of projects on Cellulosic Bioethanol which includes
Developing Technology for pretreatment of substrates, Enzyme development for breakdown of
different substrates, fermentation of sugars to ethanol, ligocellulosic conversion from lab to Pilot
scale.
Pre-treatment and Pelletization
Studies on pelletization and delignification of cellulosic biomass (rice straw, cotton stalk, sweet
sorghum, switchgrass, Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara) has been carried out via two
stage pretreatments involving an alkali and an acid was tried for cotton stalks, Lantana camara
and Prosopis juliflora which resulted in 85% or higher delignification for all the three residues..
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Of the various methods tried for pretreatment of rice straw the best results has been found using
0.5% NaOH at room temperature for 24h on the basis of holo-cellulose recovery and total
reducing sugar yield per g of initial substrate.
Enzymatic delignification for banana stem/ wheat straw using laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus
showed good results.
Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of lignocellulose
Two novel bifunctional cellulolytic enzymes with good activities were developed for application
in lignocellulosic ethanol –
(i) Endoglucanase/-glucosidase chimera (EG5):
(ii) Endoglucanase/xylanase (Endo5A-GS-Xyl11D): ):
Also an engineered E. coli strain (SSY10) has been developed to ferment C5/C6 into ethanol via
native pathway engineering. SSY10 produced ethanol from C5/C6 sugars at the rate of 0.7 g/l/h.
SSY10 also efficiently fermented lignocellulosic hydrolysates generated via acid treatment and
via ammonia treatment to ethanol at neat theoretical maximum yield.
Paenibacillus ICGEB2008 strain that produces cellulolytic enzymes as well as ferment sugars
into ethanol and 2,3-butanediol has been isolated. This strain could ferment glucose, xylose,
cellobiose and glycerol and produce ethanol.
Integrated Process Technology for Conversion of Crop residues into Ethanol and Methane
Two mutants M15.4 and M9 of cellulytic enzyme have been generated from the mother culture
of Aspergillus terreus NIH2624. with greater specific activities of cellulase. In order to improve
the process economics re-cycling of the enzyme has been attempted with more than 90%
enzyme recovery. Attempts for efficient conversion of rice straw to methane rich biogas has also
been attempted.
Production of Lignocellulosic ethanol from Lab to Pilot Scale has been taken up with enzyme
mediated ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass, where the enzymes selected for this
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studies were ligninase (Laccase), carbohydratase (Cellulase and Xylanase) followed by
fermentation.
Biobutanol
Butanol is being looked as a sustainable and next generation biofuel Studies are in progress for
production, process optimization, scale up at UDSC New Delhi and ARI Pune
After initial screening, characterization and optimization of different butanol producing strains
batch studies has been conducted with few high yielding strains. An increased yield of butanol
has been achieved after fed batch studies. The production of butanol has been successfully
scaled up to 30L fermenter under the optimized conditions.
BioHydrogen
Department has recently initiated supporting research projects on production of biohydrogen
realizing the potential of biohydrogen as a fuel for future.
With the studies conducted enhanced biohydrogen production has been observed using Iron and
Nickel nanoparticles.
Clostridium butyricum strain TM 9A has been isolated, optimized and studied for biohydrogen
production using different cost effective substrates and maximum hydrogen production was
obtained at 2.5% molasses concentration. The process has also been scaled up at lab scale and
results demonstrated that C. butyricum TM 9A strain could produce 14 liter of pure hydrogen
from 10 liter of basal nutrient solution and further successful scale up of hydrogen production
has been carried out from proto scale to pilot scale in 100 liter working volume by using 150
liter scale bioreactor. Hydrogen production efficiency obtained from this batch fermentation
process was; 187 liter of pure hydrogen (81 mmol H2/L).. Further optimizations of parameters
are in progress to scale up this process in 1000 liter scale. For this 1500 liter scale bioreactor will
be used.
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Figure 1: Scale up of batch dark fermentaive hydrogen production from molasses by
Clostridium butyricum in protoscale 30 liter scale biorecator
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Figure 2: Scale up of batch dark fermentaive hydrogen production from molasses by
Clostridium butyricum TM-9A strain in pilot scale 150 liter scale biorecator (100 L working
volume)
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Monitoring of Programs:
Various Commitees Constituted by the divison so far are as follows:
A. Task Force Committee on Energy Biosciences
B. Project Monitoring Committee Algal Biofuels
C. Project Monitoring Committee Jatropha Networ Programme
D. Oversight Committee on Bioenergy Center
E. Inter-Agency Committee for R&D Biofuel
Projects are being monitored through a well-established review process by relevant expertise.
Scientific and technical progress reports get evaluated through respective Project Monitoring
Committee and Task Force and special Expert Committees.
DBT has constituted a special Oversight committee to review the activities of the Energy
Biosciences Center established by DBT and also to ensure the synergy and coordination among
these 3 Center. Regular interactions done with the investigators for follow up actions taken for
proper implementation of the project.
Special Project Monitoring processes adopted for the Algae and Jatropha network projects
through Project Monitoring Committees and also by conducting site visits to the
underperforming Center as and when required. The department follows a framework that
integrates scientific method and administrative procedure.
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Committee composition: Energy Biosciences
A. Oversight Committee
Chairman
1. Prof. Anand Chakraborty, Distinguished Professor, Illunnis University, USA
Members
2. Dr. K. Gurumurthi, Former Director IFGTB, Coimbatore
3. Dr. K. T. Shanmugum, University of Florida, Gainseville, USA
4. Dr. A. K. Panda, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi
5. Dr. Bhavik Bakshi, VC, TERI, New Delhi (Recently moved to overseas)
6. Dr. Anjan Ray, Regional Commercial, Director UOP
7. Dr. Pawan Dhar, Director, CSSB, Thirunanathapuram, Kerala
8. Dr. Shrikumar Suryanarayan, CEO Sea6 Energy, Chennai
9. Prof. K. B. Ramachandran, Emeritus Professor, IIT Madras Chennai
10. Prof. Jayant Modak, IISc, Bangalore
B.Task Force of Energy Biosciences
Chairman
1. Dr. B.D. Kulkarni, CSIR Distinguished Scientist (Engg. Sciences),C/o National Chemical
Laboratory,
Co-Chairman
2. Dr. K.Gurumurthy, Former Director, IFGTB Coimbatore
Members
3. Dr. Arvind M. Lali, Professor, Chemical Engineering Division, Institute of Chemical
Technology, Mimbai
4. Dr. K. J. Mukherjee, Professor, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi
5. Dr. Ganesh Pandey, Scientist, CDRI Lucknow
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6. Dr. Aditi Pant, Retd. Scientist, NCL Pune
7. Dr. T. Satyanarayana, Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South
Campus, New Delhi- 110 021,
8. Dr. D.K., Tuli, General Manager (Alternate Energy) R&D Center, IOCL Faridabad
9. Dr. Vanga Siva Reddy, Head Plant Transformation, ICGEB LaboratoriesAruna Asaf
Ali Marg- 110 067 New Delhi, INDIA
10. Dr. Purnananda Guptasarma, Professor ( Biology), IISER Mohali
11. Dr. R. Rengasamy , Professor and Director, Department of Botany , University of
Madras
12. Dr. G. Subramanian, Former Director, National Facility of Marine Cyanobacteria,
Bharatidasan Univ. Tiruchirapalli- 620 018,
Members (Ex Officio)
13.Shri. A.K. Dhussa, Director, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy,Block-14, CGO
Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003,
14.Dr. G.J. Samathanam, Advisor $ Head, Technology Development and Transfer
Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, New Mehrauli
Road, New Delhi
15.Dr. Renu Swaup, Advisor, DBT, New Delhi
Member Secretary
16. Dr. Sangita Kasture, Scientist „D‟, DBT, New Delhi
C. Project Monitoring Committee- Algal Biofuels
Chairman
1. Dr. G. Subramanian, Former Director, National Facility of Marine Cyanobacteria,
Bharatidasan Univ. Tiruchirapalli.
Members
2. Dr. Arvind M. Lali, Professor, ICT Mumbai
3. Dr. Aditi Pant, Retd Scientist NCL Pune
4. Dr. D.K., Tuli, General Manager (Alternate Energy) R&D Center, IOCL Faridabad-007,
5. Dr. Vanga Siva Reddy, Head Plant Transformation ICGEB New Delhi
6. Dr. C. R. K. Reddy, Professor, CSMCRI Bhavngar Gujarat
D. Project Monitoring Committee - Jatropha Network Programme
Chairman
1. Dr. K. Gurumurthi, Former Director, IFGTB Coimbatore
Members
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2. Dr. D. K. Tuli, GM(AE), IOC Faridabad
3. Dr. R. S. Fougat, Professor, Agriculture Biotechnology University, Anand, Gujarat
4. Dr. S. K. Dhyani , Director, National Research Center for Agroforestry, Jhansi
5. Dr. V. K. Gour, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, J.N. Agricultural University,
Krishinagar, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
6. Dr. M. Sujatha, Head & Principal Scientist (Gen. & Cytogen.) Director of Oil Seeds
Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
E. Inter Agency Committee for R&D Biofuel
Chairman
1. Secretary, Department of Biotechnology
Members
1. Dr. M. Parmathama, Executive Director, NOVOD Board, Ministry of Agriculture, New
Delhi
2. Dr. A.K. Dhussa, Director, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Block-14, CGO
Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
3. Dr. R. K. Malhotra, Director, R&D Center, IOCL, , Faridabad
4. Dr. R.M. Misra, DIG Admn & Biofuel, Ministry of Rural Development,
New Delhi
5. Dr. Zakwan Ahmed, Director, Defence, Institute of Bioenergy Research, Ministry
of Defence DRDO, Nainital.
6. Dr. Sanjay Bajpai/Dr. Sanjay Singh/ Dr. P.R. Basak, Director, Technology
Mission Cell, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi
7. Dr. Sudeep Kumar, Head, Plannings & Performance Division, Technology
Networking & Business Development Division (TNBO), Council of Scientific
& Industrial Research, Anusandhan Bhavan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001
8. Dr. A.M. Singh, DIG, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Lodhi Road, New Delhi –
110 003, email:- [email protected]
9 Dr. H. M. Behl, coordinator of Jatropha Network, Biotech Park, Sector – G,
Jankipuram, Kursi Road, Lucknow – 226 021
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Major New Initiatives
1. Biorefinery –Development and demonstration of Biorefinary technology for low cost
biofuel with zero waste.
Algal Based biorefinery
Biobutanol based biorefinery
Bidiesel based biorefinery
2. DBT-Pan IIT Virtual Bioenergy Center
Department has taken initiative to bring together the multidisciplinary strengths available in
various IITs who are already working in the area of Biofuel. The Center would be virtual .
Consortia of five IITs has submitted a proposal to develop a vitual bioenergy center which will
leverage their existing strengths and capacities to work synergistically towards developing
cutting edge technologies for biofuel production and the proposal has been conceptualized.
3. Network program on Enzyme and protein engineering for Biofuel
The major bottleneck in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol is the high cost
associated with the hydrolytic enzymes. Therefore, focus of the research should be to find
cheaper ways of producing the enzymes and to find more active enzymes with high thermal
tolerance.
4. Synthetic Biology & Metabolic Engineering for development of biofuels
It is increasingly realized that synthetic biology can be put to novel applications to manufacture
„unnatural‟ molecules through microbial or enzymatic transformations. Engineering of
microorganisms genetically recombined to produce most chemicals and biofuels. Departments
has been looking forward for to promote research in following areas
i. Study synthetic and Metabolic pathways to produce the target biochemicals.
ii. Genes encoding on specific enzymes required in the pathways must be
understood and candidate strains possessing such genes must be identified.
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iii. Host organisms suitable for the production of biofuels/ biochemicals must
be identified.
iv. The tools and techniques for inserting such genes and pathways into host
organisms must be developed.
5. Biobutanol Network Programme: Department has already supported various R&D projects
for biobutanol production and various leads have been obtained However in order to understand
the issues and gaps in scale up a network program has been conceptualised.
6. Life Cycle Assessment Study (LCA)
LCA methodology can be applied to the renewable energy products and process for assessment
of environmental impact of the developmental projects. LCA study can provide more reliable
and comprehensive information in selecting sustainable products and processes. Net energy gain
(NEG) the difference between total energy output and total energy input is one of the accepted
indices for analyzing energy efficiency,similarly ratio of total energy output to total energy input
(NER) reflects the energy efficiency of the process.
7. Biomass Energy plus Fuel Cells (FCs)
Developments are required to see regular commercially viable application of FC systems with
respect to the techno-economic issues in fuel pre-treatment and FC integration, improve
efficiencies with greater flexibility ,clean up systems. Fuel processing systems will be further
developed to increase efficiencies. Reforming technologies have largely been proven from a
technical standpoint, but are not yet economical.
26
Capacity Building
Overseas Fellowship and International Networking
The Department has also instituted-Energy Bioscience Overseas Fellowships for scientists of
Indian origin who are working outside the country in the field of Energy Biosciences (including
Biofuels, Bioenergy etc.). Eight awardees already joined the host Indian institutes
(IIT/IISER/DBT Bioenergy Center) to pursue their research in Biofuel area. The Department
also has a scheme for senior scientist- “National Energy Bioscience Chair” to have excellent
team leaders in the Bioenergy area who can help in building innovative teams to address the
major challenges in this sector.
Call for Proposals / Announcements
A special call for proposals was issued on Development and Demonstration of Bio refinery
Concept in August, 2012. A total of 57 full proposals were received against this call. A special
expert committee was constituted to screen these proposals based on novelty, relevance to
biorefinery concept, expertise of investigator. Out of 57 proposals, 15 proposals were shortlisted
based on above criteria and detailed presentations were reviewed for suitability for
considerations. The proposals which have were recommended (10 nos.) by committee are under
considerations for support.
International Collaboration
A. Indo-US Joint Clean Energy Research and development Center (JCERDC)
The Indo-US Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC) is a joint
initiative of the Government of India ( through Department of Biotechnology & Department of
Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology) and the US Department of
Energy. The overall aim of the JCERDC is to facilitate joint research and development on clean
energy by teams of scientists, technologists and engineers from India and the United States, and
related joint activities, needed to deploy clean energy technologies rapidly with the greatest
impact. This is a new and unique initiative of both governments to set up a joint bilateral virtual
27
Center through a joint call, review, funding and management. To achieve this objective, the
Indo-US JCERDC will support multi-institutional network projects using public-private
partnership model of funding. In the US Energy Dialogue Washington DC held in September
2012, the final announcement of program was made and brief presentations were made on the
following three priority areas by India and US partners. The consortia have initiated the project
activities after their individual kick off meetings.
PRIORITY AREAS AND FUNDING MECHANISM
Solar Energy: $ 125.00 million over five years from each side (DST)
Second Generation Biofuels: $ 62.50 Million over five years from each side(DBT)
Energy Efficiency of Buildings: $ 62.50 Million over five years from each
side(DST)
Fund commitment by each Government: Maximum $ 5.00 Million per year for five
years
Project funding model: Public-Private Consortia mode (Consortia partners to
provide the matching funds)
REVIEW MECHANISM
19 eligible proposals were received and reviewed in India by Guest Evaluators in October-
November 2011. These evaluations were discussed in three Joint Merit Review Panels
meetings and the recommendations were shared with the US side.
The Joint Appraisal Committee discussions was done through DVC in Feb 2012 to discuss the
recommendations of the JMRP‟s and based on these deliberations; three consortia were selected
for award.
The Details of the winning consortium under Second Generation Biofuel area as approved by
Govt of India are as below
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Second Generation Biofuels
US-India Consortium for development of Sustainable Advanced Lignocellulosic Biofuel
Systems
Theme / Focus : Development of sustainable advanced lignocellulosic biofuel systems
Indian Consortia Partners
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology-
Hyderabad(Lead Institution)
Lead PI:
Dr. Ahmed Kamal
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology,
Hyderabad
E-mail: [email protected]
Other Partners:
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-
Arid Tropics-Hyderabad; Directorate of Sorghum
Research-Hyderabad; Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University-Hyderabad; Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University;
RajamathaVijayarajeSindiaKrishiVishwaVidyalay;
Center for Economic and Social Studies; Indian
Institute of Technology-Delhi; Indian Institute of
Technology-Chennai;
Industry Partners:
Abellon Clean Energy, HPCL
US Consortia Partners
University of Florida(Lead Institution)
Lead PI:
Dr. PratapPullammanappallil
University of Florida
Other Partners:
University of Missouri; Virginia Tech;
Montclair State University; Texas A&M
University
Industry Partners:
Show Me Energy; and Green Technologies
The total number of partners institutes involved in the JCERDC Biofuel Program are:
Second Generation Biofuels:
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o India (9 Academic Institutions + 2 Industry Partners)
o U.S. (5 Academic Institutions + 2 Industry Partners)
The progress of this consortium will be reviewed by the Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) to
be constituted by Govt. of India.
Representative of Consortia partners with Dr. MK Bhan, the then secretary, Department of
Biotechnology, Govt. of India at the singning ceremony for Letter of Intent.
The Program is being administered in India by the Indo-US S&T Forum (IUSSTF). For more
details about JCERDC, please visit http://www.indousstf.org/JCERDC.html
B. DBT-BBSRC Bioenergy Workshop
DBT –BBSRC Bioenergy Workshop was organised by DBT India and BBSRC, UK in October,
2011 and various priority areas were identified in biofuel sector by scientists from both the
countries. A joint call for proposals was issued by International Cooperation Division which are
under consideration.
C. International Bioenergy Summit
International Bioenergy Summit was organized jointly by Department of Biotechnology and
TERI at India Habitat Center, New Delhi on 5th
and 6th
November, 2012. The summit was
attended by eminent scientists from India and abroad. The major themes of the Bioenergy
30
summit were production of biofuel from Algae and synthetic biology interventions in the area of
biofuel and bioenergy. In the Bioenergy summit bioenergy road map document “Vision 2020”
was released by the Hon‟ble Minister S&T, Shri Jaipal S. Reddy. The document was also
circulated among the scientists and research scholars who attended the summit. The vision 2020
document envisages to create Biotechnology enterprise equipped with viable green and clean
technologies for achieving Bioenergy Security. (Vision 2020 at Annexure I- as Hyperlink)
D. Indo- US Workshop on Indo US Workshop on “Cyanobacteria- Molecular
Networks to biofuels”
The worshop was jointly organized by Prof. Pramod P. Wangikar IIT Bombay, and Prof. Louis
A. Sherman,Purdue University, USA. at the Lagoona Resort, Lonavala, India. December 16-20,
2012.
The workshop revolved around cyanobacteria as platform for biofuel production with a few
presentations also on eukaryotic micro-algae. The presentations covered diverse topics that
included: cyanobacteria and micro algae as platforms for biofuel production; the molecular
mechanisms for carbon and nitrogen fixation in cyanobaacteria; annotation of novel metabolic
and genetic networks; conversion of fixed carbon dioxide to biofuels including drop-in fuels and
other high value products; the carbon concentration mechanism in cyanobacteria; high cell
density cultivation; genomic and proteomic studies; studies on cyanobacterial circadian rhythms;
metabolic flux analysis; photosynthetic efficiencies of cyanobacteria; isolation and
characterization of cyanobacteria and micro algae from diverse and extreme habitats; photo-
regulation and photo-protection mechanisms, and genetic engineering in cyanobacteria and
micro algae.
Specific outcomes
(i) Joint projects initiated and activities identified.
A multi-institutional Indo-US collaborative research project to develop a Joint Clean Energy
Research and Development Center (JCERDC) which has been submitted for funding approval.
(ii) Any long term institutional scientific agreement / MoU entered upon/envisaged:
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Participants from the two sides have plans to submit a proposal under the “The Way ahead”.
(iii) Publications generated / planned: The papers from the work presented at this workshop are
currently being peer reviewed for publication in a special issue entitled “Cyanobacterial
Networks” of an internationally reputed journal, Photosynthesis Research (Impact factor: 3.243).
(Speakers at the inaugural session: Top row (from left): Pramod P. Wangikar, Louis A.
Sherman, Santanu Dasgupta (Chairperson), and Makarand Phadke; Bottom row (from left):
Rajiv Sharma, Parag Chitnis, NSF and Sangita Kasture, DBT)
Contact Officers:
Divisional Head Program Officer
Dr. Renu Swarup
Scientist `G‟/ Adviser In-charge
Telephone: 011-24360064
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Sangita Kasture
Scientist „D‟ / Principal Scientific Officer
Telephone: 011-24365438
Email: [email protected]
32
Annexure I
THE BIOENERGY ROAD MAP
VISION 2020
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Ministry of Science and Technology
Government of India
November, 2012
(This roadmap has been prepared through a consultative process by an expert group of scientists
involving all researchers from institutes, universities and industries working in this area across the
country.)
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THE BIOENERGY ROAD MAP
VISION 2020
Environmental and energy security concerns are forcing countries world over to shift to
alternatives like biofuels in the form of bioethanol, biodiesel etc. Since biofuels can be
produced from a diverse set of crops each country is adopting a strategy that exploits the
comparative advantages it holds with respect to such crops. It is important for us to develop a
clear strategy and road map for the bioenergy sector utilizing optimally the biomass resources
available to benefit the bioeconomy.
1. VISION 2020: Create a Biotechnology enterprise equipped with viable green and clean technologies for achieving Bioenergy Security.
The Vision document outlines what our long-term goals should be if we are to truly achieve cost-effective clean energy development with recent refinements to the technology. The Vision now provides a complete framework for achieving the set Goals or Targets. 2. Goals and Targets:
20% blending of fossil fuel by 2020 Commercially viable lignocellulosic ethanol produced from Agricultural and forestry
waste. An economically cost efficient system available for Algal production and also a
commercial scale technology for production of biofuels from Algae either through harvesting and oil transesterification or direct conversion to Biooil
Next generation biofuels from different biomass feedstock. 3. Where are we today?
No commercially available second generation biofuel technologies are currently available. This national need demands a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive technologies.
4. Strategy to Achieve the Vision
i. Promote technology innovation by creating an enabling environment through Center of Excellence and Network program.
ii. Support and strengthen appropriate infrastructure creation and capacity building. iii. Make a strong, long-term commitment to implement cost-effective clean energy as a
resource. iv. Provide adequate, timely and stable program funding to deliver cost effective clean
energy technologies
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v. Implement appropriate policies and regulatory mechanisms. vi. Institutionalise enabling mechanisms to promote inter-sectoral collaboration with
industry and academia. 5. Implementation Plan for Next 5 years
i. Launch a Strategic Research Programme to achieve the Goal of 20% blending by 2020. ii. Set up at least 5 Joint Center’s on the similar model as existing Bio Energy Center.
iii. Create a Team India of at least 100 scientist in interdisciplinary Research Areas. iv. Support Basic Research R&D programmes in different cutting edge science areas, which
are critical to provide a detailed understanding of the process involved and modifications which are feasible. This would be networked to the Energy Center.
v. Train at least 100 Post Doctorate Overseas in specialized areas such as Synthetic Biology, Enzyme and Protein Engineering, Metabolic Engineering, Systems Biology etc.
vi. Attract at least 25 overseas scientists to the Center through Energy Bioscience Fellowship and Institute at least 5 chairs, one in each Center.
6. Science Programme Strategy
I. Strategic Research Program
Commercial production of Biofuel from different feed stocks for 20% Blending
Focus to be on Technology development and optimization for conversion:
a. Biodiesel b. Bioethanol c. Green Diesel d. Algal Biofuel e. Biobutanol f. Biohydrogen g. Biochemicals h. Fuel Cells
a. Biodiesel (i) Gaps The Indian biodiesel specifications are very stringent, therefore it requires some moderation for product to meet specifications. Indian R&D units have developed the process know-how but the engineering design and equipment selection is not offered. There is no Indian R&D based unit which can offer complete technology package on lump-sum turnkey basis and that is probably the main reason why all commercial plants set up till now in India are based on imported technology. Large quantities of water are essentially needed for washing to remove catalyst traces. All major auto companies have expressed reservations on blending of more than 10 % bio-diesel in diesel because of the problems of gum formation and for stability issues.
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(ii) Interventions Required
There is an urgent need to address some drawbacks of homogenous catalyzed production process related to
feedstock quality which needs to be completely refined for processing; reactants/catalyst to be moisture free
operation problem related to disposal of large amount aqueous effluent generated.
quality of glycerol produced during the process being very poor. Need for development of glycerol refining technology in the country
development of catalyst system that can operate at methanol reflux temperature.
solid catalyst having high catalytic activity and recyclability
lower Capex & Opex
complete process and engineering know-how for scale-up
commercial availability of catalysts
enzymatic catalysis with reusability of enzymes
b.Greeen Diesel
(i) Gaps
Optimising of the processing conditions, hydrogen consumption and catalyst for conversion of varied feed stock to green diesel.
Use of expensive metallurgy required to handle acidic feed stock and products.
Production of process intermediates like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and large amount of water impacts activity of hydro processing catalyst
Development of robust economically viable technology capable to handle any type/quality of feed stock
Large scale commercial trials
(ii) Interventions Required
In order to achieve a large scale commercialization of this technology, survey of available veg oil, costing of selected technology and metallurgy required in hydro processing unit need close attention.
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Development of catalyst which is cheap , having longer life and good selectivity.
Need to develop good & cost effective oil de-metallation and de-gumming processes
Study the overall heat balance in refinery
Life cycle analyses needs to be performed for green diesel produced via hydro processing route in Indian context. Therefore, the energy return and overall environmental impact can be quantified.
c. Bioethanol
(i) Gaps
Novel enzymes with high specific activity, mutation and modification of hydrolytic enzymes to improve their catalytic efficiency, and development of processes to produce these enzymes at minimal cost should be the major priority for the scientific research in the area of lignocellulosic alcohol.
The technology must be within reasonable bounds of CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OPEX (Operational Expenditure).
The technology must be robust and sustainable, and this implies many aspects like being zero waste, economically viable, people friendly, and suitable for a variety of feedstocks.
At present no technology anywhere in the world fulfils the above requirements. And therefore following interventions are required.
(ii) Interventions Required
Physico-chemical characterization of different biomass varieties and linking these to their pre-treatment ‘friendliness’.
Set up a multi-technology multi-feedstock pilot plant as a national facility.
Mount new initiatives as well as coordination of on-going and new efforts engaged in enzyme design/screening, expression and production for hydrolysis of celluloses (separate or combined with fermentation). The efforts made across the country need to be catalogued and evaluated. It is possible that there would be some strains and enzymes with novel and desired features.
A number of innovations need to come through on fermentation technologies for biomass derived sugars. New strains for both hexose and pentose fermentations as well as new process designs for increased bioreactor productivities are a must for making the overall technology acceptable.
Strains for SSF need to be developed to provide high overall productivities.
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Development of low CAPEX and OPEX technologies for purification and dehydration of ethanol also requires engineering.
Sustainable technologies for conversion of lignin to liquid fuel need to be developed.
d. Algal Biofuel
(i)Gaps
Improved strains for better yields
Optimising of the biomass production conditions
Optimization of downstream processing
Large scale commercial trials
(ii) Interventions Required
To explore cost effective feedstock and novel efficient strains for biofuel production.
Development or selection of a strain that provides a optimal FFA composition and yields
Optimize photobioreactor systems and raceway pond cultivation
To develop proper technology to overcome the oil extraction problem.
To develop efficient in situ recovery process technology.
Attempts for improvement of productivity must be made using different strategies like extraction and continuous esterification
e. Biobutanol
(i) Gaps
The major problems related to butanol production are
simultaneous production of three products and their subsequent separation; low yield of butanol on sugar substrates; low tolerance of strains for butanol and their sporulation tendencies; and low overall volumetric productivity in g/L/h.
Cost effective biobutanol production at commercial scale is yet to be developed by using non-food feedstock as a substrate. Though biobutanol
38
production is already established at pilot scale and is fast approaching the commercial scale overseas, it is yet to be developed in India.
(ii) Interventions Required
Explore cost effective feedstock and novel efficient microbes for biobutanol production.
Optimal strain development: Development or selection of a strain that provides a combined ABE or AB yield of at least 0.4 to 0.45 g/g of fermentable sugar. This could be Clostridium spp or any other strain. This would require exploration of all possible methods for arriving at suitable strains from simple random mutation to directed mutation.
Develop proper technology to overcome the solvent toxicity problem.
Develop efficient in situ recovery process technology.
To develop new fermentation and recovery processes based on the metabolically engineered strain/s.
Attempts for improvement of productivity must be made using different strategies like extractive fermentation and continuous (chemostatic) fermentation with cell recycle and high cell densities.
Metabolic engineering of aerobic systems containing the biobutanol production genes.
Butanol recovery strategies to a large extent depend upon relative and individual concentrations of the fermentation products. Combination of membrane and distillation methods will need to be worked out for cost effective recoveries.
f. Biohydrogen
Biohydrogen production technology is not yet fully established at pilot scale and requires an extensive investigation to make this process commercially viable at national and international level.
(i) Gaps
Oxygen sensitivity of hydrogenase enzyme.
Partial pressure, inhibits hydrogen production.
Designing of efficient photobioreactor is yet to be developed. Investigations are required to design and construct photobioreactor with a view to capture light effectively for enhanced biohydrogen production
Research studies concerning structural and functional characterization of mesophilichydrogenase enzymes (by site directed mutagenesis approach) to enhance oxygen tolerance limit, are lacking and needs further attention.
39
Characterization of thermophilichydrogenase enzymes also require extensive investigation to gain insight about the genetic crux lying behind the oxygen tolerance of these enzymes.
(ii) Interventions Required
Exhaustive screening of efficient hydrogen producing dark and photo fermentative microbes including photosynthetic algae from diverse geoclimatic regions, by using waste materials and non- food feedstock.
Molecular engineering of oxygen tolerant efficient hydrogenases by employing site directed mutagenesis approach, for optimum dark and photo fermentative hydrogen production.
Identification of novel O2-tolerant hydrogenases from environmental microbes.
Development of technology to overcome inhibitory effect of partial pressure during hydrogen fermentation.
Development of recombinant strains for enhanced biohydrogen production at pilot scale.
Modelling and simulation of the dark and photo fermentation process for optimum hydrogen production at a pilot scale.
Metabolic engineering of strains to enhance hydrogen production/ to gain insight about regulatory and metabolic pathway of hydrogen production
g. Biochemicals
(i) Gaps
Production of power and steam from lignin and effluent streams from biofuels and biochemicals production processes is not yet established.
Cost-effective technologies for the conversion of biomass, sugars and glycerol into biochemicals has not been well studied or well understood in India.
Micro-organisms capable of producing biochemicals have not been well studied in India. The synthetic and metabolic pathways to producing such biochemicals have not been well understood in India.
Chemical catalysts (heterogeneous and homogeneous) and the associated reaction mechanisms in the conversion of sugars to chemicals have not been well studied in India.
The impact of certain constituents in the feedstock sugars and their impact on the chemical and biochemical reactions have not been well studied in India.
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There is a lack of understanding in the fermentation processes required for production of biochemicals and the downstream processes required for recovery, conversion, and purification of biochemicals.
Current issues with the fermentation route include yield from sugars, fermentation time, and the titers achieved.
Current issues with the chemical catalysis route include selectivity, yield, effect of inhibitors, and tar formation.
The downstream processing requirement for the production of biochemicals is not well understood.
Design and engineering of industrial plants to produce biochemicals has not been studied.
Lifecycle Analysis of the processes to produce biochemicals is not well understood.
Integrated BioRefinery technology has not yet been demonstrated at any substantial scale.
(iii) Interventions Required
Target bio-chemicals must be identified. Such compounds must either be the final biochemical or must be a precursor compound required to make the final biochemical. In the case of precursor compounds, as far as possible, they must utilize as much existing infrastructure as possible in their conversion to the final biochemical.
Target process performance parameters for the production of each specific biochemical must be set. These must include the capex and opex parameters, the rates, titers, selectivity and yields for the processes.
Candidate micro-organisms with the potential to produce the target biochemicals must be identified. Screening of candidate micro-organisms in our culture banks must be conducted to downselect micro-organisms for R&D. Classical and directed mutagenesis must be purused to improve the capability of the down-selected micro-organisms to produce the target biochemicals must be pursued.
Synthetic and Metabolic pathways to produce the target biochemicals must be studied. Genes encoding on specific enzymes required in the pathways must be understood and candidate strains possessing such genes must be identified. Host organisms suitable for the production of biochemicals must be identified. The tools and techniques for inserting such genes and pathways into host organisms must be developed.
Downstream processing technologies for the recovery and purification of target biochemicals must be identified and developed.
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Technologies for the conversion of the target biochemicals into the final biochemicals must be developed.
Lifecycle analysis on the technologies for the production of target biochemicals must be conducted.
The technology development must include the consideration of the design and engineering of commercial plants early in the development of the technology.
h. Fuel cells
(i) Gaps
There have been limited examples of projects linking bio-based fuels with FC. Although some niche opportunities may exist in the near term, the commercial viability of FC with bio-based fuels is yet to be demonstrated.
It will require a realistic and unified vision moving forward. The barriers to development of such projects need to be tackled.
At a macro level, obstacles that impede the development of distributed generation in general will ultimately impact the development of technologies. Similarly, competition between FC and potential alternatives, like efficient internal or external combustion engines, micro-turbines, solar, and wind, will necessarily affect the potential for using bio-based fuels with FC.
Competition between bio-based fuels and low cost fossil fuels is another concern. Roadmap for using bio-fuels with FC, in the short and long-term, needs to be evolved giving due consideration to these larger issues.
(ii) Interventions Required
Further developments are required to see regular commercially viable application of FC systems.
The techno-economic issues in fuel pre-treatment and FC integration need to be addressed.
The reforming and gas-cleaning technologies are yet to completely mature. While FC technologies are approaching commercialization, there is a degree of
uncertainty about the prospects of utilizing fuel cells with bio-based feedstock. Fuel clean-up systems also need to be further developed. The present systems have
been able to significantly reduce the amount of contaminants reaching the FC, however the costs associated with fuel clean-up are still high. FC requires systems that have greater flexibility, because many bio-based fuels vary in composition over time and over agro-climatic zones.
Raw feedstock cost is another critical factor. It impacts the potential project viability. The use of biomass waste streams that would otherwise require disposal, i.e., have zero or negative costs, can have a positive impact on project economics.
42
However, it is seen that the market price of the feedstock, whether cultivated or waste, disproportionately increase over time.
Genetic engineering could be applied toward improving the characteristics of dedicated biomass energy crops and may positively influence feedstock economics.
II. Basic Research Science Project
i. Feedstock improvement
ii. Algal Biofuels
Microalgae
Macroalgae
iii. Synthetic Biology
Feed Stock improvement
a. Jatropha curcus for Biodiesel
(i)Gaps
Productivity should be high, stable year after year to meet feedstock requirement. A targeted seed production should be 7.5 MT/yr/ha.
Crop should withstand the harshness of degraded and underutilized sites as available in the country for cultivation of Jatropha curcas
Plants should be disease resistant and robust
Plants should have least irrigation requirement and drought resistant
Plantation should not add carbon footprints and should be environmentally sustainable
Plantation should be economically feasible for farmers, SHGs, NGOs and also for industry.
Jatropha curcas chain should bring additional benefits from use of unused cake, fruit husk, vegetative biomass etc.
Non-toxicvarieties of Jatropha curcas should be developed so as to produce Jatropha curcas that has cake good as feed. Several tons of this cake will be available after processing of oil from the seeds.
43
The biomass is also a good stock for generation of electricity, Biofertilizers, Biopesticides and vermicomposting. Utilization of waste will add to the economic feasibility of Jatropha curcas.
(ii) Interventions Required
Cloning of fatty acid biosynthesis genes and development of molecular markers
Elites and location specific accessions and “cultivars” to be identified for specific wastelands
Productivity along with cultural practices (nursery & field) to be made available for large scale cultivation
Improved “varieties” needs to be developed and sufficient material to be made available for bulking in the country
(b) Algae Biofuels
(i) Microalgae
Gaps
There is a need to engage biochemical engineering groups in bioreactor design best suited for the purpose and our country. There is a need to fund large scale algal raceway ponds that could provide opportunities for capable groups to develop downstream algal biofuel technologies and develop appropriate technologies incorporating the concept of a biorefinery.
Interventions Required
Algal strain selection/development
Algal Growth at required scale and economy
Algal harvesting and processing to produce dense energy source/s
Refining the densified energy source to liquid fuels of desired properties
Algal proteins offer interesting possibilities. If all transport fuels were to be replaced by micro-algae biodiesel considerable quantities of proteins would become available as well. That is 40 times more than the amount of protein in the soya that Europe imports each year. Thus, algae would allow the production of food and feed proteins as well as sufficient quantities of biodiesel.
(iii) Macroalgae
The most important aspect is to bridge the gap in knowledge on large scale cultivation of seaweeds and its use as a raw material for fermentable sugar production. First, seaweeds that can grow fast to produce fermentable sugars without affecting the local sea environment has to
44
be identified and large scale cultivation and harvesting systems in the ocean needs to be developed.
Suitable hydrolysis methods need to be developed to obtain fermentable sugars which can be further converted to fuel and value added products. Since the seaweeds will be grown under saline conditions, it is expensive to wash them before processing further. Hence, the hydrolysis and fermentation process will need to be marine based. For this the focus must be on:
Seaweed strain selection/development Development of ocean culturing systems Processes for the production of fermentable sugars Development of marine based hydrolysis and fermentation systems
(iv) Synthetic Biology
Producing new biofuels through synthetic biology
Gene regulation to engineer micro-organisms to convert sugars from biomass to
alkanes and other oil like hydrocarbons
8. Training and Capacity Building
Considering the points as discussed above, it is recommended to create institutional mechanism for medium to long term training and capacity building in the areas as mentioned above.
There is a need to establish institutional network and protocol to engage the research and educational institutions, scientific agencies, recognized laboratories and public agencies, to share their scientific information and experience in the relevant field as discussed above.
There is a need to attract high skilled post doctorate professionals by offering attractive remuneration to encourage them to pursue their research activity in India instead of in overseas countries.
Workshops, seminars should be conducted in the relevant area to share the international experience among scientific community and to assess good regulatory models among regulatory authorities.
There is a need to host as well as to participate in technology innovation Center It is recommended to initiate and fund mission mode target oriented projects It is required to encourage the existing one as well as to create new research Center for
focusing research in relevant field Private sectors are required to develop and commercialize the product and process
resulting from the program, to support and participate in the collaborative R&D projects, as well as to support for creation of technology innovation Center in order to attract the high skilled talented scientists.
45
9. International Cooperation There is a need to enhance our own capacity to comply with our commitments and to enable our flow of resources. Hence it is important that India makes a concentrated effort to
participate in major international events to develop network and enhance environmental cooperation
participate in regional and bilateral programmes. initiate a program for exchange of scientific professionals having expertise in the relevant
area.
10. The Way Forward
The Scientific community work towards creating “Bioenergy Team – India” for achieving the
Goals and Targets we have set for ourselves. This will contribute significantly the Country’s Bio
economy roadmap.
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B. Bioprospecting and Bioresources
Area of Research
Programme is being pursued on bioprospecting, inventorization and characterization, value
addition and sustainable utilization of bioresources along with relevant training, capacity
building and awareness generation. The overall objectives of the programme are as follows-
Inventorisation and characterization on bioresources
Prospecting of bioresources for novel genes and genes products, biomolecules and
compounds
Improvement of economically important bioresources
Technology development of value added products from Natural Resources
Capacity building including strengthening of infrastructure and other biomolecules
components of R&D
Overview
Various programmes under Bioresource Inventorization and Prospecting focuses on the
application of biotechnological and related scientific approaches for R&D and development of
new products and processes. The thrust is on Bioresource inventorisation and characterization
both spatial and non-spatial; Prospecting of bioresources for novel genes and genes products,
biomolecules and compounds and improvement of economically important bioresources.
Department had supported a major grand challenge Mission programme on microbial
prospecting: drugs from microbes launched in a unique public-private partnership model
involving nine institutes and an industrial partner. The largest collection of microbial cultures
(nearly 250000) were screened for four different therapeutic targets. A total of 16123 three stars
hits were obtained of which 518 anti cancer, 3643 anti inflammation, 6676 anti diabetic and 5286
anti infective activities. Based on the hits obtained, the Phase II activity i. e. Chemical
Characterization of selected hits of bioactives has been initiated. One NCE with anti-cancer and
anti-inflammatory activity and 12 probable NCA were identified. All these cultures are in the
process of classification and storage in an National Repository created by DBT at National
Center for Cell Science, Pune which was recognized as an International Depositary Authority
w.e.f. April 2011.
Under the bioprospecting programme, a number of projects have been supported for prospecting
of novel genes, molecules, enzymes etc. from plants, microbes, fungi, lichens for production of
potential products of industrial importance. Under the programmes supported on biodiversity
characterization and digitized inventorization, the IBIN portal was launched towards developing
a single window gateway to access distributed bioresource database available in the country to
47
offer spatial and non-spatial services on diverse domains of bio-resources and biodiversity. A
first ever systematic attempt has been made for quantitative assessment of plant resources of
Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Several innovative programmes have been launched to screen, characterize and improve
important resources. The initial emphasis is on biological, chemical and molecular
characterization, downstream processing, modification of existing methods for products of
commercial importance to make them more eco-friendly and economically viable.
In the capacity building programme the Department has established Rural Bio-resource
Complexes to demonstrate viable and ecologically compatible technologies to the rural people
for adoption in a holistic and sustainable manner. The Department launched DNA clubs (DBT‟s
Natural Resources Awareness clubs) in creating deeper awareness among school students
regarding the importance of our environment, biodiversity, biotechnology and the relation of all
these with everyday life.
R& D programmes and Achievements
(I) Mission programme on microbial prospecting: drugs from microbes – a public private partnership
A National Mission programme on microbial prospecting was launched in the year September,
2007 which involved partnership of 9 National Institutes & Universities alongwith Piramal Life
Sciences Ltd., (PLSL) as an Industry Partner in a unique public-private partnership model. This
program has contributed to the collection of microbes from different biodiversity from all over
India (the Western Ghats, North East, mangrove, marine environment, polluted sites etc.). The
largest collection of microbial cultures (nearly 250000) was screened for four different
therapeutic targets. A total of 16123 three stars hits were obtained of which 518 anti cancer, 3643
anti inflammation, 6676 anti diabetic and 5286 anti infective activities. These potent cultures
selected in the above exercise are being used to generate the list of 1000 cultures to be taken in
the next phase of the program for identification of novel drug scaffolds.
Phase-1 Microbial Mission Programme has been completed successfully and contributed the
largest collection of bacteria of Indian origin which is a valuable resource for many other
biotechnologically useful products and stored in the International Depositary Authority at the
National Center for Cell Science, Pune. An initiative on the prospecting of the microbes
collected under the microbial prospecting programme for industrially useful products is being
launched. In the second phase of the Microbial Mission Programme, 1000 cultures have been
taken for identification of novel drug scaffolds. A total of 2150 extracts were prepared out of
which 250 extracts are left for evaluation of bioactivity. 6626 isolates sequenced for 16S rDNA
data. One NCE with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity and 12 probable NCA were
identified.
(II) Establishment of Microbial Culture Collection Center
48
The Microbial Culture Collection Facility was established at National Center for Cell Science,
Pune with a broad charter to preserve, characterize and authenticate microbial resources of India
and is recognized as an International Depository Authority. MCC began its activity by
undertaking the ambitious program of preserving nearly 250,000 bacterial cultures that were
isolated as a part of DBT‟s Microbial Mission Program. Currently, MCC has successfully
preserved them and has additionally identified over 7000 of these by 16S rRNA gene
sequencing. MCC now plans to characterize all the cultures in its possession by 16S rRNA
sequencing and other techniques. In addition, MCC began its IDA service operations and has in
its collection 121 microbial cultures (88 bacterial and 33 fungal) as general deposits that are
available in public domain. In addition, it has 7 cultures deposited as patent deposits under the
Budapest Treaty. Further, MCC has already started to offer 16S rRNA gene sequence based
identification service and plans to offer fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling in near future.
A two day workshop on Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy was conducted by MCC. This
workshop was attended by approximately 50 master‟s, 9 under graduate students and 20 faculty
members representing multiple districts of Maharashtra. MCC also organized a two day
Symposium on “Microbes: Molecular Ecology and Systematics”. Eminent scientists from India,
Germany and Sweden delivered talks during this and over 250 students and faculty members
attended the Symposium.
A Microbial Repository has been established at IBSD, Imphal for the supply of authentic
microbial cultures collected in this region and help in the training of the researchers in the NER
in conservation and characterizations of microbes.
(III) Prospecting of genes and molecules for product development: Projects have been supported for prospecting of novel genes, molecules, enzymes etc. from plants, microbes, fungi, lichens for production of potential products of industrial importance.
Biopesticide formulation (Bollcure) is transferred to two industries. Central Insecticide board
has approved the registration of “TERI-DBT Bollcure” for commercialization all across the
India.
In a programme aimed at prospecting of plant and insect resources of the Western Ghats for
important metabolites, some of the promising species from Icacinaceae were screened for the
anti-cancer alkaloid, camptothecin and its derivatives. Among the species, seeds of R 59 and
R 60 were found to contain the highest ever reported content of camptothecin (1 to 1.2 %).
Nursery techniques for the propogation of these two promising species have been
standardized. A library of over 500 endophytic fungi have been isolated and cultured from
the above plant species. Efforts are being made to sustain the production of these metabolites
in culture by addressing issues related to gene silencing and host-induced elicitation. Two
hundred and ten plant species were prospected for Shikimic acid. Six of the species
accumulated greater than 1 per cent shikimic acid by dry weight. In a few of these species,
the estimates were comparable to that reported for star anise (2.4 to 7%). These new sources
49
can potentially be used to meet the emerging needs of both the domestic and the international
market. Several species of ants, wasps and bees from the Western Ghats region were
evaluated for antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains.
A network project involving eight institutions has been initiated to bioprospect for novel
bioactive molecules from forest resources of the country. Three important species have been
chosen, namely Dysoxylumbinectariferum, Saracaasoca and Lagerstromia speciosa. An
interactive database was developed including information on the chemical compounds found
in the various species, their biological activity and patent information. Important leads have
been obtained with regard to identifying new bioactivities, new biomolecules and new
sources of important metabolities such as rohitukine (for anti-cancer activity) and corosolic
acid (for anti-diabetic activity). Tissue extracts of Saraca asoca have been evaluated for their
anti-inflammatory activity and anti-microbial activity.
The lichen compound MSSRF TE1 isolated from lichen Trypethelium eleutrie showed
promising activity against M. tuberculosis as it inhibited seven TB strains including 3
different rifampicin and isoniazid resistant strains at 0.15 mg/ml. The lichen compounds PP2,
DA2 isolated from Parmotrem aprasorediosum and Dirinaria applanata showed In vitro
cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 1mM and 10mM concentration of
the compounds.
18 endophytic fungi from Daturametel and 20 from Catharanthusroseus were isolated.Out of
the endophytes isolated from Daturametel, 5 fungal isolates showed significant anti-
thrombotic activities.
The novel strain Spirochaeta sphaeroplastigenens JC133T is extensively characterized by
polyphasic taxonomic approach. GC/MS analysis of Spirochaeta sphaeroplastigenes showed
the presence of several intermediates of antimicrobial agents, anticancer agents, peptides,
amino acids, nucleotides, and intermediates of other drugs like antituberculosis,
antihistamines etc.
For evaluation of anti-cancer properties of crystal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis, 70
native isolates screened for ps1, ps2, ps3 and ps4 genes. Eight isolates were found to be
positive for Parasporin gene ps1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. ps3amplicons (912bp) from KAU5,
102, 160 and 399 showed homology with Bacillus thuringiensis genes for cancer cell-killing
Cry protein parasporin-3 in NCBI database.
For Screening of extracellular protease activity from stock bacterial of North-East region of
India, 2011 bacterial isolates were screening for protease activity of which 87 isolates
showed good protease activity.
A novel antibiofilm compound (4-phenylbutanoic acid; 6-heptyloxan-2-one) with wide scope
for application in medicine and aquaculture industry has been isolated. Two Quorum
Quenching enzymes namely N-Acyl HomoserineAcylase and N-Acyl Homo Serine
Lactonase have been reported for the first time through metagenomic approaches.
50
Geobacillus sp producing alpha amylase has been isolated and identifiedand strain number
was obtained from NCBI as JN704808.
Bacteriocin producing strains belonging to genera like Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus,
Pediococcus, Lactobacillus and Streptomyces were isolated and characterized using
phenotypic and genotypic methods. A few strains inhibited growth of S. aureus and a strain
of Lactobacillus sp. found to inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa and also few Vibrio species.
(IV) Characterization and Digitized Inventorization-
1. Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level using Remote Sensing and
Geographical Information System
Department of Biotechnology and Department of Space have initiated a joint initiative on
Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level using Remote Sensing and Geographical
Information System to comprehensively map and Inventory the Bioresources. The studies have
been undertaken to cover the entire country in three different phases-
Phase-I (1998-2002): Mapping and database preparation on 1:250,000 scale
1. North-eastern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland Sikkim and Tripura) 2. Western Himalayas (Uttarakhand, Himachal, Punjab Shivaliks and Kathua and Jammu
districts of J&K 3. Western Ghats region covering Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu 4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Phase-II (2003-2007): Mapping and database preparation on 1:50,000 scale
1. Central India comprising of Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, U.P. Vindhyan
region and West Bengal 2. Eastern Ghats covering Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and two districts of
Karnataka
Phase-III (2008-2011): Mapping and database preparation on 1:50,000 scale
1. Deccan Peninsula covering states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, 2. Northern Plains comprising of states/UT of Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, NCR Delhi,
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar 3. North-West India consisting of the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Daman and Deu Islands 4. Jammu & Kashmir state
51
Outputs: (Reports, Data CD, Atlases etc. distributed to state forest departments, subject experts,
ecologists etc.:
Vegetation and land use/land cover maps
Forest fragmentation maps
Disturbance gradient maps
Biological (plant) richness maps
www.bisindia.org and www.ibin.co.in websites
20,000 field plots’ vegetation species database (for future monitoring)
Utilization of the Data
The project outputs were generated in the form of Vegetation/land usemaps of the region on
1:250,000 (Phase-I) and 1:50,000 scale (Phase-II and Phase-III). Details are as follows:
a. The digital data on vegetation cover types, fragmentation status maps, disturbance gradient status maps and biological richness status maps has been shared with state forest departments, like Odisha, Tamilnadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, etc. The data is being for their planning and management activities.
b. In Odisha, this database has been used to prepare 29 Forest Working Plans.
c. The database has been put on two above mentioned websites and there are 84,763 hits so far.
2. Quantitative assessment of plant resources in hot-spots of the country
The programmes on mapping and quantitative assessments of geographic distribution and the
population status of plant resources were completed for the hot spots- Western Ghats, Eastern
Ghats and North Eastern and Eastern Himalayan Regions with significant achievements. A first
ever systematic attempt has been made for quantitative assessment of plant resources of
Andaman and Nicobar islands. Several layers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands such as
boundary, roads, rivers, places, water bodies etc were digitized. Data inputting system was
developed to load the data sheets from different teams. This assessment has been done in a grid
based manner and compiled the data in the form of database.
Status of work on mapping plant resources of different bio-rich areas of the country.
52
3. Indian Bioresource Information Network (www.ibin.gov.in)
Indian Bioresource Information Network (IBIN) portal has been launched as a single window
gateway to access distributed bioresource database available in the country to offer spatial and
non-spatial services on diverse domains of bio-resources and biodiversity. Its major goal is to
network and promote an open ended, co-evolutionary growth among all the loosely coupled
digital databases related to biological resources of the country and to add value to the databases
by integration and sharing. The IBIN portal also offers datasets in multilingual form for the
benefit of end users. There are two core data nodes of the IBIN portal viz. the Species data (e.g.
Sl.
No
Items Western
Ghats
Eastern
Ghats
Eastern
Himalayan
Region
Andaman
and Nicobar
Islands
1 Total Area
Covered (sq
km)
1,40,000 100,000 95920
10,500
2 Total number
of Grids
3231 2652 2398 1,016
3 Total number
of Grids
covered
3231 2652 1200 320
4 Percent grids
covered
100 100% 50% 31%
5 Number of
Individuals
Enumerated
3,30,000 2,70,000 1.20,000 ~25,000
5 No. of species
recorded
2600
2273
2600 2,398
6 Resources Created
Number of
Fliers
Prepared
1800 800 60 500
ii Number of
Images
Compiled
20,000 22000 8000 21,247
iii Herbarium
sheets
Number of
species
6000
2000
9000
1600
2800
4000
~5000
2150
53
Jeeva Sampada) maintained at UAS, Bangalore and Spatial data (eg. Jeeva Manchitra)
maintained at IIRS (ISRO), Dehradun while the partners of IBIN, called as Bio-resource
Information Center (BRICs), will serve India's bio-resource‟s data like plant, animal, marine,
spatial distribution and microbial resources etc. from their respective institutes/Center located in
different parts of the country. IBIN facilitates value addition to the diverse and distributed
datasets by bringing them together under one platform. Apart from the identified BRICs, there is
a provision to capture the information provided by the end users as well.
IBIN data are served under the given three categories:
Core data – database that has already been created by the existing major IBIN nodes
Distributed data- the data that would be contributed by its major partners (BRICs)
and,
Captured data - the data contributed by the end users in the public domain.
54
(V) DNA Barcoding
In view of the rich biodiversity of the country DNA Barcoding programmes were supported for
generating barcodes for species of plants, insects and animals. DNA barcoding of 17 Phyllanthus
species using the psbA-trnH region, 53 rattan species were successfully completed. A digital
database of Phyllanthus and Rattans species was developed which includes a diagnostic key to
the different Phyllanthus species alongside their respective bar codes. Approximately 1200
samples of birds have been collected from various parts of India. These samples were DNA
barcoded and about 300 bird species have been identified. The marine sponge, Camiria toxifera
has been reported first time from India.
(VI) Resource Based Network Programmes Several programmes have been launched to screen, characterize and improve important resources.The initial emphasis is on biological, chemical and molecular characterization downstream processing, modification of existing methods for products of commercial importance to make them more eco-friendly and economically viable. Some important resources being targeted are as follows- i. Honey Bee:
Ongoing Network programme addresses industrial R&D priorities in the Apiculture sector with
focus on quality improvement, study of genetic diversity and development of molecular markers
in Indian bee species. Morphometric studies of the samples collected from eight states have been
completed and data analyzed. Mitochondrial CO II partial gene sequencing of Apiscerana,
Apisflorea and Apisdorsata has been completed and haplotypes have been identified. Two new
species of stingless bees belonging to the genus Lisotrigona have been discovered, described and
illustrated.
Water based attractant formulations for attracting honey bees to the plots containing flowering
plants of niger were developed. The formulations can be spread on the flower which cause
increase in the visits of honey bees to the flowers resulting into a significant improvement in the
crop yields.
ii. Seabuckthorn:
The network programme of Seabuckthorn concentrates on genetic diversity studies and
development of Molecular Markers, Prospecting of Seabuckthorn for value added products. So
far, 746 Hippophae accessions (398 from Hippophae rhamnoides, 320 from Hippophae
salicifolia and 28 from Hippophae tibetana) have been characterized on morphological basis. A
HippophaeGermplasm Resource Center at Lahaul (HP) was established and at present 180
accessions of H. rhamnoides from Himachal are being maintained in nurseries at the Center.
Genetic diversity based on chemical profiling of bio-active molecule is being done. Chemical
characterization of Hippophae leaf and fruit samples is being undertaken and a total of 575
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samples from different institutes have been received of which 406 are leaf samples and 169 fruit
samples. The samples have been evaluated with respect to different flavonoids, phenolic content
in leaves. In leaves, flavonoids Rutin, Quercetin-3D-galactoside, Myricetin, Kaempferol and
Quercetin were higher in Hippophaerhamnoidesas compared to Hippophae salicifolia. Genetic
diversity analysis using AFLP markers is being carried out and at present, 746 samples have
been received from different institutes of which AFLP libraries have been developed for 560
accessions and 10 primer data is available for 470 accessions. In Vivo hepatoprotective action of
seabuckthorn byproducts was done and Seabuckthornextract and its nanoformulations have
exhibited antioxidant potentials against UV-induced oxidative stress and thus acts as a natural
photo-protective agent.
Thirty four cold induced apoplastic proteins including some putative antifreeze proteins like
chitinase and thaumatin-like protein are identified from seabuckthorn seedlings. Two antifreeze
proteins, polygalacturonase inhibitor protein and Class I chitinase, are purified and characterized
for antifreeze activity. Recombinant chitinase, purified from E.coli showed antifreeze activity as
observed by formation of hexagonal ice crystals and inhibition of ice recrystallization.
Proteomic as well as genomic approach was followed to identify and purify antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from seabuckthorn. Extracellular proteins were separated on 2-DE and identified using n-LC-MS/MS. Identified proteins showed presence of some putative AFPs like chitinase and thaumatin like protein. A
56
class I chitinase was cloned and overexpressed in E.coli. The recombinant protein, purified using chitin affinity chromatography, showed antifreeze activity as observed by formation of hexagonal and flower shaped ice crystals.
iii. Coffee:
The thrust of the study was on developing trait specific molecular markers, disease resistance,
low caffeine varieties. 132 new Bt isolates were collected from coffee areas and used for
screening. Protocols were developed for producing spore-crystal mixtures from Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) isolates & using them in the bioassay on white stem borer (WSB). One Bt
strain was identified for using as positive control in the bioassay. Around 450 native Bt isolates
& a few reference strains were screened in bioassay for their activity against WSB larvae. Only
around 50 isolates were found to be moderately active & the remaining 400 isolates did not show
any activity against WSB.
iv. Tea: Under the tea network, trancriptome sequencing was done for selected tea clones for
identification microsatellite markers. A total of ~40 Mb non-redundant transcriptome sequence
data was generated. Of the 973 microsatellite markers identified, 80 microsatellite markers have
been validated in the selected tea accessions and related Camellia species. For construction of
genetic map, 136 SSR markers were utilized for parental polymorphism survey in two mapping
populations for drought and blister blight resistance at TRA, Tocklai and CSIR-IHBT,
respectively. Three mapping population for drought resistance at Tocklai, 5-bi-parental
population for blister blight and drought at UPASI and 5 bi-parental crosses for blister blight and
other quality traits at CSIR-IHBT were established in the field condition. In addition, a bi-
parental population of 212 individuals derived from a cross SA6 (R) x Asha (S) was also
evaluated for blister blight resistance. Molecular documentation of Darjeeling Tea clones 134
pairs of primers were standardized and used for polymorphism studies in Darjeeling tea
accessions. Twenty one SSR markers were found highly variable among TRA released
Darjeeling tea genotypes.
57
v. Zingiber:
Under the Zingiber network programme, projects have been funded for production of superior
quality planting material through macro and microrhizome formation, development of molecular
markers in curcuma and prospecting of selected zingers for flavour compounds. Under the
Zingiber network programme, one turmeric variety “Lakadong “was found to have high
curcumin content of 8.42-9.44%. 6-Gingerol content, oleoresin content and fibre content have
been analysed from different varieties of ginger. Among the different varieties of Ginger
collected, Nadia variety can contribute maximum 6-Gingerol and oleoresin content while
Moirang cultivar was found to give maximum oil content. An improved and high frequency in-
vitro microrhizome induction system in two varieties of ZingiberofficinaleRosc.viz. Baishey and
Nadia has been developed. For disease tolerance and high yield in ginger twenty five somaclones
selected from 289 somaclones were evaluated and isolation of pathogens viz.
Pythiumaphanidermatum and Ralstoniasolanacearum was done. Pure cultures of the pathogens
were maintained and pathogenicity of isolated cultures was tested.
As a part of the Bioprospecting of Potential Gingers, detailed morphological and chemical
characterization of selected six species of unexplored gingers ware carried out. Essential oils
form the rhizome, leaves, fruits, fruit rind and seeds of Alpiniamutica (a less exploited ginger),
was isolated. The oil yield is highest in dried fruit rind (1.18%) and it is with a sweet fragrance.
vi. Sugarcane:
A number of biotech interventions have been offered to this important cash crop. Tissue culture
protocols for development of somatic embryogenesis by different media combinations have been
optimized. A linkage map and identified five QTLs linked with red rot resistance in sugarcane
have been developed and identified. General Linear Model using TASSEL was carried out and
four EST-SSR markers significantly associated with red rot resistance was identified. Validation
58
was carried out using RRR-M469 markers in the segregating population which differentiated 80
% clones into resistance and susceptible. These markers may be used in marker added selection
for development of red rot resistance cultivars in sugarcane.
vii. Gums & resins:
Comprehensive metabolite profiling of different plant parts of Commiphora wightii was carried
out and a total of 210 metabolites identified. Substantial quantities of pharmaceuticals,
cosmacetucals and insecticidal importance terpenoides viz,.β-cadinene, β-caryophyllene, α-
caryophyllene, germacrene-B, germacrene-D, phytol were identified in hydrodistilled essential
oil of stem and leaves of guggul. Endophytic fungi isolated from guggul produced substantial
quantity of red pigment in potato dextrose broth.
viii. Bamboo
Under the network program, 9 major states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Kerala, Rajasthan and Haryana) and all the 7 states of North
East were covered. Demonstration programme completed its tenure in 18 states covering 978 ha.
Efforts are now on to consolidate the performance data from all demonstration projects in the
form of a booklet detailing a package of practices for Bamboo cultivation. Tissue culture/micro
propagation technologies have also been developed at various R&D institutes for different
species.
(VII) Demonstration of Quality Planting Material in Northeastern States
The Mission programme has worked towards production and supply of quality planting material
either produced by tissue culture (TC) or other vegetative means from the selected quality
mother stock of horticultural crops viz, Citrus, Kiwi, Banana, Black pepper, Large cardamom,
Orchids, Strawberry, Cashew nut and Edible bamboo, and their cultivation under well managed
field utilizing application of Biofertilizers and Biopesticides. Demonstration plots at farmers‟
field have helped in refining the strategy for transfer of technologies from lab to land which has
created a positive impact amongst the farming communities. The quality products so produced
by the farmers under the project are being marketed through an appropriate marketing channel.
821.42 ha of demonstration plot of quality planting materials have been established involving
1559 beneficiaries under the mission.
New programmes and initiatives
1. Launch a National Mission on Bioprospecting and Product Development from Natural
Resources
Microbial prospecting for industrially important compounds
Prospecting of other natural resources – Fungi, Lichens etc.
59
Chemoprospecting for high value phytochemicals from Seabuckthorn which is a rich
source of antioxidants and finds immense use in nutaceutical and cosmaceuticals.
Prospecting and product development of non-timber forest product- Gums, resins, tannins,
mucilages
Commissioning study to find out the global markets and priorities for various natural
products, market intelligence on natural products to be an integral component
2. Setting up of a National Center for Microbial Resource for Drug Discovery and Product
Development from Natural Resources
3. Setting up of Repository for Extracts, Phytochemicals & Botanical Reference Standards
for Quality Assurance of Plant-based Drugs
4. Training and Capacity Building
To train at-least fifty persons every year in all aspects of Drug Discovery from Natural
Sources
To strengthen existing Center for devising training modules in all aspects for drug
development and discovery from natural resources
Training programmes in specialized areas such as molecular pharmacology, phytochemistry,
advanced and robust screening protocols
5. Biochemicals and Biomaterials
The Most Prominent Value Added bio-chemicals/ bio-fuels in India perspective include Acetic
acid, Lactic acid, Ethanol and Green Diesel programme will be supported. In addition the
programme will also focus on developing a large numbers of Biomaterials from biomass
including Bioplastics.
6. Secondary Agriculture
Priority areas which will be supported for both basic and applied research and product
development include both (a) food and feed related agriculture industries (b) non-food
Agriculture product industries. Some of the major industries and byproducts to be supported and
specific interventions in gap area to be addressed are:
Food and Feed grains and their Byproducts
Soybean
Other Grain Products and Byproducts
Horticulture and Food processing industries
Fruit and vegetable processing
High-Value Secondary Food Products
Byproducts from fruits and Vegetables
Bioactive Molecules from Biomass
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Industries
60
Pure Herbs and Herbal Extracts
R&D-Based Phytoceuticals and Novel Medicinal Compounds
Functional Foods
Aromatic Plants Industries in India
Animal Products and Byproducts
Poultry and Fish Feed
Other animal Byproducts
Alternate crops (Bioresource) and Technologies
Enzymes and Chemicals
Marine Products
Other Bioresources
Biorefinaries
7. Characterization, Inventorization and Repositories
To create a network of gene banks for conservation and supply of germplasm of natural
resources to academia and industry
A list of target species to be conserved in gene banks to be carefully drawn based on
availability and commercial importance
Characterization of germplasm using chemical and molecular methods
Develop linkages with global gene banks
Review/Monitoring of Programs
Various Committees Constituted by the division, so far are as follows: A. Task Force Committee on ‘Value- Added Biomass & Products from Natural Resources’ B. Project Monitoring Committee for Establishment of a Culture Collection Center in North East Region C. Expert Group to discuss and suggest the strategy/road map for the DBT Grand Challenge Programme on “Screening for Bio-molecules from microbial diversity for drug development” D. Sub-Committee to monitor the progress of Rural Bioresource Complexes (RBC)
E. Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) of Seabuckthorn Network programme
Projects are being monitored through a well-established review process by relevant expertise.
Scientific and technical progress reports get evaluated through respective Project Monitoring
Committee and Task Force and special Expert Committees.
A. Task Force of Value- Added Biomass & Products from Natural Resources
Chairman
1. Dr. K. Nagarajan, Scientific Advisor, Hikal Limited, 32/1, Kalena, Agrahara, Bannerghatta
Bangalore-560 076
61
Co-Chairman
2. Dr. Y.K. Gupta, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029
Members:-
3. Dr. Alok Bhatacharya, Professor, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi-110067
4. Prof. S. Chandrasekhar, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore- 560012
5. Prof. S. Durani, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076
6. Dr. R. V. Gadre, Scientist F, Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411008
7. Dr. J. Karihaloo,Coordinator, APCoAB Secretariat, C/o ICIRSAT Office National
Agricultural Science Complex, DevPrakashShastriMarg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110
012
8. Prof. Paramjeet Khurana, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi
South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi – 110 021
9. Dr. L.N. Mishra, Deputy Director, Central Institute of Medical and Aromatic Plants P.O.
– CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow-226015
10. Dr. T. Mohapatra,Principal Scientist, National Research Center on Plant Biotechnology
Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Campus, New Delhi – 110 012
11. Dr. G. Muralikrishna, Scientist F, Biochemistry & Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore- 570 020
12. Dr. Hemant J Purohit,Scientist G, National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagapur-440020
13. Dr. J.M. Rao, Executive Director, M/S Chemveda Life Sciences at Uppal, Hyderabad 14. Dr. V. Siva Reddy, Project Leader, Plant Transformation Unit, International Center for
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, ArunaAsaf Ali Marg, New Delhi – 110 007 15. Dr. R. Uma Shaankar, Department of Crop Physiology andSchool of Ecology and
ConservationUniversity of Agricultural SciencesGKVK, Bangalore-560065 16. Dr. Uma Shanker Shivhare, Professor, University Institute of Chemical Engineering &
Technology, Punjab University, Sector-14, Chandigarh-160014 17. Dr. Inder Pal Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Natural Product, National
Institute of Pharmaceuticals Education and Research Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) - 160 062, Punjab (India)
18. Dr. Renu Swarup,Adviser Incharge- NBDB, DBT
Member Secretary Dr. Manoj Modi, Senior Scientific Officer-I, DBT
B. Project Monitoring Committee for Establishment of a Culture Collection Center in North East Region of India
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Chairman
Dr Amit Ghosh, Emeritus Scientist, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P 33
CIT Road, Scheme XM, Belliaghata, Kolkata – 700 010
Members
Dr. Hemant J Purohit, Scientist G, National Environment Engineering Research Institute,
Nehru Marg, Nagapur-440020
Dr. Yogesh S Shouche,Scientist 'F', National Center for Cell Sciences, Lab 3, NCCS, NCCS
complex, University of Pune complex, Ganeshkhind, Pune – 411007
Prof. Tulsi Satyanarayana,Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus,
Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi – 110 021
C. Expert Group to discuss and suggest the strategy/road map for the DBT Grand Challenge Programme on “Screening for Bio-molecules from microbial diversity for drug development”
Chairman
(i) Prof. P. Balaram, Director, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore – 560 012
Members
(i) Dr. K. Nagarajan, Corporate Advisor, Hikal Limited R&D Center, Bangalore – 560 076 (ii) Dr. M. D. Nair, A-11, Sagarika, 15, 3rd Seaward Road Valmiki Nagar, Chennai – 600 041 (iii) Dr Amit Ghosh, Emeritus Scientist, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, P
33 CIT Road, Scheme XM, Belliaghata, Kolkata – 700 010
D. Sub-Committee to monitor the progress of Rural Bioresource Complexes (RBC)
(i) Dr. E. A. Siddiq, Emeritus Scientist, 81, Happy Home Colony, Upparpalli, Hyderabad – 64
(ii) Dr. B. S. Hansra, Director, School of Agriculture, C-Block, New Academic Complex, IGNOU, MaidanGarhi, New Delhi – 110 068
(iii) Dr. A. K. Kaul, 14, Bhagwati Nagar, Razdan Lane, Canal Road, Jammu – 180 002 (iv) Dr. Anil P. Joshi, Secretary, Himalayan Environmental, Studies and Conservation
Organization, HESCO Gaon, Vill-Shuklapur, Post -Ambiwala via Premnagar, Dehradun
E. Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) of Seabuckthorn Network programme
Chairman
1. Dr. P.S. Ahuja, Director, IHBT, Palampur, H.P
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Members
2. Representative from DRDO, (nominated by Director), New Delhi
3. Dr. Uma Shankar, Professor, Department of Crop Physiology, UAS, GKVK, Bangaloge-560
065
4. Dr. L.N. Misra, CIMAP, Lucknow
5. Dr. S.P. S. Khanuja, CEO & Director, Mayar Biotech Division, Mayar Infrastructure
Development Pvt. Ltd., 10th
Floor, DLF Square, DLF City Phase-II, NH-8, Gurgaon-122002
6. Dr. T. Mohapatra, Senior Scientist, National Research Center on Plant Biotechnology, Indian
Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Campus, New Delhi – 110 012
7. Dr. Rekha Satishchandra Singhal, Professor of Food Technology, Institute of Chemical
Technology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai- 400019
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Capacity Building
(a) DBT‟s Natural Resource Awareness Club
NBDB had supported a major capacity building programmes for students during vacations,
particularly for the children who have appeared in class X board exam. DNA Clubs has emerged
as a scalable and replicable model of connecting future generations with issues and concerns
related to Bio-resources. In view of the overwhelming of the students to the „Vacation Training
Programme on Bioresources for school children‟ the Department launched DNA clubs (DBT‟s
Natural Resource Awareness Club) in schools across the country in 2007-08. The DNA Clubs
Program has spread out across the country in a more focused manner. More than 1,00,000
students have benefited from this programme. The activity profile and annual calendar of
activities of a typical DNA Club comprises of a diverse set of activities which includes planned
visits to institution of excellence, field excursions for first hand exposure to microbial, plant and
animal resources. Lab Experiments to understand and analyze processes, learn biotech
techniques. Mini-Projects / Hands on Activities, Lectures by invited Eminent Experts, Audio
Visual Shows. Inter & Intra school competitions on Bio-resource based themes and Vacation
Training Program on Bio-resources.
DBT-TERI mentoring schools of northeast is being implemented through partner institutes in
361 high schools. The project has benefitted 43320 students directly in 8 northeastern states.
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(b) Rural Bioresource Complexes
Department has established Rural Bio-resource Complexes (RBC) to demonstrate viable and
ecologically compatible technologies to the rural people for adoption in a holistic and sustainable
manner. In the first phase, the projects have been funded at five State Agricultural Universities
(SAU) viz. GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana, Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, Haryana,
Marathwara Agricultural University (MAU),Parbhani, Maharashtra, University of Agricultural
Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, Karnataka and Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology
(OUAT), Bhubaneswar, Orissa.
An independent study on the Impact assessment of Rural Bioresource Complexes in terms of its
socio-economic benefits that have been transferred to the community was commissioned by DBT
to Mott MacDonald Pvt. Ltd., Noida. The planned interventions of respective SAUs and the
implemented interventions, as observed in field have been compared, which revealed that the
number of activities have increased in almost all the institutes. The observation is as given
below:
Name of Center Technological interventions
disseminated Total Beneficiaries
UAS, Bangalore 18 6744
HAU, Hisar 8 2621 OUAT, Bhubaneshwer 9 1058
MAU, Parbhani 6 1419 GBPUA&T, Pantnagar 5 8430 Total 46 20272
Rural Bioresource Complex in North-East India
Rural Bioresource Complex in North-East India has been established with the aim to upscale the
available technologies for value addition of selected bioresources & transfer them to the users
and to upgrade the skill of farmers for technology adoption through a series of trainings. The
project is being implemented jointly by NEHU and ICAR, Research Complex, Barapani
(Meghalaya). ICAR is responsible for demonstration farming of Megha 1 turmeric and Khasi
Mandarin, while the remaining activities of the project are the responsibility of NEHU. For
extraction of turmeric and ginger oleoresin and oil, an extraction plant has been established at
Laskein village, Jaintia Hills District. The mechanical drying and powdering units have been
installed in Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi District. The plant at Jaintia Hills District is ready for
mechanical destarching, drying, powdering and oleoresin extraction. During this year, 9 new
varieties of rice were collected from Ri-Bhoi District. 32 varieties of Citrus species collected
from different parts of North-eastern India have been regularly monitored in the field germplasm
bank for maintaining and expanding the Citrus germplasm. Demonstration farming of Lakadong
variety of turmeric was undertaken by NEHU in 6 villages under Laskein block in Jaintia Hills
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District. So far, 134 beneficiaries belonging to 13 SHGs/Farmers‟ Club have been benefited
under Megha-1 variety of turmeric crop cultivation. Eighty (80) beneficiaries belonging to 7
SHGs/Farmers‟ Club have been benefited under Khasi Mandarin cultivation. Training
programme on ginger processing was organized in which thirty farmers participated in the
programme.
Orientation programme on SHG functioning and accounting at Samatan village, Jaintia
Hills District
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Call for proposals/Announcement
Department invited Letters of Intent (LOI) for exploration of the “Collection” at NCCS, Pune for
industrially important microbial products. In response to the advertisement put out by DBT, 67
LOIs have been received. Based on the recommendations of the Screening Committee,
Department has received the 15 Full Proposals. Committee reviewed the proposals and 8
proposals were recommended for further processing. The proposals which have recommended by
the committee are under considerations for support.
The Call for proposals for “Network programme on Prospecting on Fungi for Industrial important products” was issued to establish a network programme involving R&D Center at Universities and Institutes who are interested in Prospecting of Fungal resources for novel compounds. The call for proposal for “Network programme on Prospecting on Seabuckthorn for Industrial important will be initiated soon.
Contact officers:-
Divisional Head
Dr. Renu Swarup
Scientist „G‟/Adviser In-charge
Tel: 011-24360064
E-mail: [email protected]
Program Officer
Dr. Manoj Kumar Modi
Scientist „C‟/Senior Scientific Officer - I
Tel: 011-24360064
E-mail:- [email protected]
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National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP)
Overview
The Department has been successfully implementing the National Certification System for
Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS TCP) to authorizing as the Certification Agency by Ministry
of Agriculture vide the Gazette of India Notification dated 10th
March 2006 under section 8 of
the Seeds Act, 1966. NCS-TCP is a comprehensive and dynamic system involving all the
stakeholders namely Tissue Culture Certification Agency (DBT), Project Management Unit
(PMU), Referral Center, Accredited Test Laboratories (ATLs), Recognized Tissue Culture
Production Facilities and State Agriculture/Horticulture Departments to ensure production and
distribution of quality tissue culture plants. Scope of NCS-TCP includes assisting tissue culture
production units in strengthening their capacities for production of quality planting material,
establishing Accredited Test Labs (ATLs) for extending testing services, certifying tissue culture
plants, developing standard testing protocols and updating them from time to time, developing
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Accredited Test Laboratories and Tissue Culture
Production Facility and continuous mentoring and monitoring to ensure Quality Management.
The main objective of NCS-TCP was to develop and implement an appropriate national
certification system for tissue culture raised plants to ensure production and distribution of virus-
free and uniform quality of tissue culture plants to farmers/growers. The specific objectives of
the NCS-TCP include:
To establish appropriate operational management structure to support the national
certification system for tissue culture raised plants;
To develop appropriate guidelines/procedures for recognition of tissue-culture production
facilities and accreditation of testing laboratory facilities;
To undertake recognition of tissue culture production facilities and accreditation of virus-
free/genetic fidelity testing of tissue culture raised plants; and,
To implement certification of tissue culture raised plants to be virus-free and genetic
homogeneity.
R& D programmes and Achievements
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(I) Development of Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
(a) Guidelines for recognition/renewal of tissue culture production facilities developed which
prescribe the application format and essential criteria for recognition of tissue culture production
facilities and standard parameters required to be complied with.
(b) Guidelines for accreditation of testing laboratories, which prescribe application format and
essential criteria for accreditation and standard parameters required to be met with.
(c) Guidelines for redressel of grievances by the tissue culture production facilities and
farmers/growers against tissue culture industry and appealing procedures for tissue culture
production facilities.
(d) Guidelines for testing of mother plants/stock cultures for freedom from viruses have been
developed.
(e) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering all the aspects of commercial tissue culture
plant production have been developed and circulated to all Recognized tissue culture production
facilities for ensuring Quality Management System.
(f) SOPs for ATLs provide guidance for the Accredited Test Laboratories involved in
virus/genetic fidelity testing and certification of tissue culture raised plants. The procedure for
handling samples received from TCPFs has been described in detail and formats for process and
record maintenance has also be provided. All the recognized companies and accredited test
laboratories have adopted standard operating procedures developed under NCS-TCP.
(g) Crop-specific tissue culture standards for production of economically important crops
including potato, apple, banana, sugarcane, black pepper, bamboo, citrus vanilla have been
established.
(II) Recognition and renewal of Tissue Culture Production Facilities and accredited test
laboratories
Presently 74 tissue culture production facilities (TCPFs) are recognized. Applications for
accreditation of test laboratories were invited across the country from public sector organization
for providing the testing and certification services to recognized tissue culture production
facilities. On receipt of applications, eligible test laboratories were assessed for the compliance
with NCS-TCP guidelines and a total number of 9 test laboratories were accredited under the
system. The list of ATLs under the system is as follow:
S. No. Name of Accredited Test Laboratories (ATLs)
South Zone
1 University of Agriculture Science (UAS), Bangalore
2 National Research Center for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirapally
3 Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore
4 Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Calicut
5 Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI), Coimbatore
North Zone
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6 Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla
7 Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur
East Zone
8 Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF),
Barrackpore
West Zone
9 Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune
IARI Regional Station, Pune
Regular trainings to technical personals of ATLs were also being imparted from referral
laboratories. At present 6 ATLs are under support of DBT. So far, ATLs have tested
approximate 41,000 samples of various crops from different companies. Majority of the above
samples belong to stock cultures ensuring in vitro multiplication of healthy planting materials.
Now NCS-TCP has fully equipped to provide label containing barcode for complete traceability
of history of plants. Demand for certification of end products from the recognized companies has
also started particularly for Banana and Potato.
As there was negligible demand of testing and certification for Institute of Himalayan
Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur; Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres
(CRIJAF), Barrackpore and Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Calicut; the support for
the above ATLs has not be continued further. Thus currently 6 ATLs are operational under
support of DBT.
(III) Virus/genetic fidelity testing of tissue culture plants:
During the FY 2007-12 period the ATLs tested a total of 23,629 samples of mother plants/stock
cultures for viruses and a total of 9545 samples of tissue culture raised plants for virus and/or
genetic fidelity.
(IV) Organization of training programme for ATLs:
Training programmes are organized at Referral Laboratory from time to time where both in-
charge ATLs and technical personnel of ATLs are given operational and technical training. The
participants were apprised/trained about the NCS-TCP guidelines and SOPs established under
the NCS-TCP for Accredited Test Laboratories and the requirements of adoption of standard
protocols for virus/genetic fidelity testing established by referral laboratories designated under
NCS-TCP. The training programmes organized at the Referral laboratories at IARI, New Delhi
and CDFD, Hyderbad attended by 51 scientists/technical personnel of the Accredited Test
Laboratories under NCS-TCP.
(V) Organization of awareness programmes on NCS-TCP:
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In order to create grass root level awareness among end user and all stake holders about the
system, 15 state level awareness programmes were successfully organized with active
participation of entire stakeholders. About 80 - 100 participants were invited for each programme
consisting of officers from Department of Agriculture/Horticulture, progressive farmers, tissue
culture companies, entrepreneurs, research institutes, scientists, representatives of growers‟
association and nurseries. There was an overwhelming response from the participants. A total of
1643 participants attended the fifteen events which include 93 tissue culture companies.
(VI) Development of video on NCS-TCP:
A brief video on NCS-TCP has been made for the benefit of all stake holders by incorporating all
the component of activities of NCS-TCP.
(VII) Development of NCS-TCP Website:
A website (http://www.dbtncstcp.nic.in) has been developed with the objective of disseminating
the information about the NCS-TCP programme and its operational structure, operational
procedures, guidelines/SOPs developed under NCS-TCP for the benefit of relevant stakeholders.
(VIII) Designing the logo and certification label:
The logo of NCS-TCP has been designed and registered by the Accreditation Unit under the
Trade Mark Act, 1999 of the Government of India. This logo is the mark of quality in the area of
plant tissue culture. It gives the high visibility to the system.
The labels for Certified Tissue Culture Raised Quality Plants provides all the necessary
information such as the name and address of the production facility where the plants has been
produced, name of the contact person, Recognition number with validity, number of Certificate
of Quality, botanical name and common name of the plant, batch no and batch size of the plants,
stage of the tissue culture plants, name and details of the Accredited Test Laboratory carrying out
the test and barcode which provides all the information of testing.
Review/Monitoring of Programs
DBT has established a well defined operational structure consisting of Accreditation Unit and
Project Management Unit in 2006-07 at BCIL and an Appellate Authority at DBT to decide on
appeal matters related to NCS-TCP. A high level Apex Committee has been constituted to
provide technical advice and guidance on policy matters relevant to NCS-TCP and approval of
guidelines/SOPs established under NCS-TCP and Project Monitoring & Evaluation Committee
has been established for close monitoring and review of the activities related to NCS-TCP.
DBT also constituted a technical working group for developing Standard/Guidelines for
Accreditation/ Recognition and developing Standard/Guidelines for production and certification
of Tissue culture plants. Thereafter, DBT established two basic component of the system i.e.
Referral Center for Virus Indexing and Referral Center for Genetic Fidelity testing. These
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components were setup for development and standardization of diagnostic protocol, reagents,
validation of protocols, testing of disputed samples, training of technical personals at Accredited
Test Laboratories. For assisting DBT in accreditation of Test Laboratories and recognition of
Tissue Culture Production Facilities an Accreditation Unit at Biotech Consortium India Limited
(BCIL) was established and members of accreditation panel were nominated. Recently
Accreditation Unit has been merged with Project Management Unit. Project Management Unit
has played key role in developing and revision of various documents under NCS-TCP such as
NCS-TCP guidelines, tissue culture standards, formats for application, self assessment form,
formats for certificate of recognition and accreditation, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for
tissue culture production facilities and accredited test laboratories, designing and registration of
NCS-TCP logo under Trade Mark Act, 1999.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (PMEC) was constituted in 2007 for expeditious
approval on the recommendation of accreditation panel for recognition and accreditation. PMEC
has significantly contributed in the finalization/ revision of various important decisions such as
eligibility criteria for recognition of TCPF and TL; formats and fee structure for testing and
certification; color, size and format of certification label; guidelines for renewal and mother plant
testing; grievance and redressal system for TCPF and end user etc.
Functional Architecture:
New initiatives
Test reports and/or
quality certification
Samples for testing
Appellate Authority (DBT)
Certification Agency for Tissue Culture Raised Plants
(DBT)
Apex Committee
Project Management Unit (BCIL)
Coordination Cell
Accreditation Cell
Project Monitoring & Evaluation Committee
(PMEC)
Expert Panel
Recognized Tissue Culture
Production Facilities
Accredited Test Laboratories
Referral Centres
Supply of virus-free and genetically
uniform TC plants to growers
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New initiatives
1. Management of NCS-TCP through NCS-TCP Management Cell (NMC)
Project Management Unit (PMU) will play a larger role as the NCS-TCP Management Cell
(NMC) and will be responsible for coordinating the management of NCS-TCP. NMC will be
responsible for the following:
a. Recognition of tissue culture production facilities/Accreditation of test laboratories
b. Advisory Services
c. Management and Coordination
d. Monitoring
e. Updation of Guidelines/SOPs
f. Information Management
g. Training
h. Financial Coordination
2. Referral Center
Referral Center responsible for both virus and genetic fidelity in the next phase of the
programme.
3. Accredited Testing Laboratories (ATLs)
The ATLs are currently mandated to test specific species of tissue culture raised plants. In the
subsequent phase, new ATLs would be accredited based on demand assessment.