After getting a College of Agriculture Biotechnology at Yavatmal, Akola-based Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) is planning to set up a Centre for Excellence in Agriculture Biotechnology in the university headquarters with the aim of conducting state-of-the-art research in the field as well as providing job opportunities to its own students.
The project, though in the nascent stage, is the baby of the new Vice-Chancellor Raviprakash Dani, who is yet to complete one year in office. A product of the university himself, he is striving hard to improve the quality of education and research. Speaking to TOI, Dani said that he is trying his bit to bring the university at par with some of the best universities in the country and world. "The centre will be a place for intensive quality research and education. I plan to involve certain major biotech industries in supporting education as biotechnology students will be associated with the centre for need-based research at both post graduate and doctorate level. We would even run MS degree courses here," he said.
Admitting that the project is at ground zero at present, it is one of his most ambitious projects. Dani categorically stated that he was sure that it would take off well soon. University already has bagged a massive research project costing Rs6 crore under the Centre's Rajiv Gandhi Krishi Vikas Yojna. These projects will have a snowballing effect in favour of the centre. "It is a constantly evolving project and I am sure we will get the support we need. When there is a will there is way," said Dani.
To be developed in three phases at a cost of over 133 crore, the centre is being planned on a public-private partnership (PPP) model with the industry. It will rope in major agricultural industries which are in biotechnology. Dani says that since the industry also has its own problems to be solved, the centre will also concentrate on mutual R&D which will provide jobs to the students who will pass out from the university itself. "I plan to make the centre an ideal place for teaching and research in partnership with the industry. The university is already running masters and doctoral degree courses in agriculture biotechnology. So we would sign various MOUs with the industries in this regard. It will also act as a platform to create biotechnology-based entrepreneurship," said Dani.
The university is leaving no source untapped for funds. But the major contributors which it is approaching include the national departments of biotechnology, science and technology, the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission in state and the union HRD ministry. The university is also trying to approach international agencies like the FAO and is open to even donations from all corners.
The project in first phase will focus on infrastructure establishment, execution of research projects and strengthening of education. Second phase will focus on networking and capacity building while third will focus on technology park on the lines of IIT Chennai and starting of diploma courses in various subjects.
Phase-wise development
First phase
Construction of building.
Setting up of tissue culture laboratory, plant transformation lab, molecular breeding, diagnosis and molecular cytology lab, plant genomics lab, biochemistry, bioprocess and bio-fortification lab and a molecular and computational biology.
Second phase
A technology park on IIT Chennai pattern.
Beginning of major R&D projects with industry.
Starting nano-biotechnology lab, molecular cell biology lab and a phytotron facility.
Third Phase
Future expansion in infrastructure-functional genomics and proteomics lab and molecular host plant interaction lab
Strengthening of education - starting PG diplomas in biotechnology, bioinformatics, IPR and biotechnology and bio-safety in plant biotechnology
