How is CM Majhi Transforming Odisha's Marine Biotechnology and Blue Economy?

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, unveiled the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) on Tuesday. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the state's Science and Technology Department, is set to elevate Odisha into a prominent position in the global marine biotechnology and Blue Economy sectors.

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office, CM Majhi's initiative is poised to significantly enhance environmental protection, promote science-driven tourism, attract investments, create job opportunities, and support the livelihoods of local communities in coastal regions.

An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Odisha Science and Technology Department and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, at Lok Seva Bhawan.

Additionally, six higher education institutions in Odisha signed agreements with the state government to provide crucial R&D support for this initiative.

During the launch, CM Majhi remarked, "This innovative platform will serve as a beacon for the scientific community and innovation, not just for Odisha, but for the entire nation and beyond. It holds the potential to revolutionize our blue economy and significantly contribute to national economic development."

The Chief Minister emphasized that as the world seeks solutions from oceans for pressing issues ranging from sustainable food systems to climate resilience, Odisha is boldly advancing.

"In alignment with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 & Viksit India 2047, OMBRIC is designed not merely as a research program but as a platform for young entrepreneurs in Odisha to establish marine biotech startups leveraging local resources and adhering to global standards," he added.

CM Majhi further stated that OMBRIC bridges the gap between laboratory research and tangible real-world impacts.

Covering everything from gene discovery to the production of bioactive molecules, bioremediation, and nutraceuticals, this initiative encompasses the entire spectrum of marine biotechnology innovation, leading to job creation, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, according to the Chief Minister.

"Odisha is evolving beyond being just a coastal state. We aspire to be a coastal innovator. We are not merely blessed by nature; we are investing in nature-based solutions. We aim to responsibly harness our biodiversity instead of exploiting it," CM Majhi stated.

The Odisha Science and Technology Department, recognizing the vast potential of its 574-km coastline rich in unexplored marine bioresources, has launched OMBRIC to position Odisha as a leader in the blue economy and marine biotechnology sector.

To facilitate targeted and impactful execution, six esteemed institutions in Odisha have been designated as OMBRIC hubs based on their scientific expertise and relevance to the region.

These institutions will spearhead various aspects of OMBRIC, each focusing on specific objectives aligned with their areas of specialization and the state's needs.

IIT Bhubaneswar has been enlisted for comprehensive mapping and monitoring of Odisha's coastal marine bioresources through satellite imagery, GIS, remote sensing, and drone surveys, as well as assessing coastal ecosystem health and capacity building.

Furthermore, the Odisha government has partnered with NIT Rourkela as a hub for cultivating unculturable marine microorganisms and extracting novel bioactive compounds (such as enzymes, pigments, and antibiotics) for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Other institutions like the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur University, and Fakir Mohan University are also involved in various marine biotechnology R&D activities.