Content:

1. Biodiversity to Bioeconomy
2. Ministry of Mines classifies Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as Major Minerals

Biodiversity to Bioeconomy

Context & Importance of Biotechnology in NER

• North East Region (NER) of India: Rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural resources.
• Biotechnology acts as a catalyst for:
  • Sustainable economic growth
  • Preservation of natural and cultural heritage
  • Employment generation through bio-entrepreneurship
  • Climate-resilient agriculture and health innovations

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) North Eastern Programme

• Budget Allocation: Since 2010, 10% of DBT’s annual budget allocated to NER-focused programmes.
• Objectives:
  • Harness endemic bioresources
  • Promote biotech education and research
  • Create local employment via bio-based enterprises

Major Programmes Under NER

A. Capacity Building & Education Initiatives

• Twinning R&D Programme (2010-11):
  • Collaboration between 65+ NER institutions & leading national institutes
  • Supported ~650 R&D projects, benefiting ~450 researchers and 2000 students

• Biotech Hubs (Since 2011):
  • Established 126 hubs across NER for biotech research and education
  • Phase-II: 54 hubs focusing on local issues and specialized research

• Biotechnology Labs in Senior Secondary Schools (BLiSS) (2014):
  • Established labs to cultivate biotech interest at school level

• Visiting Research Professorship (VRP) Programme (2015):
  • Leveraged expertise of eminent scientists to uplift local biotech education

• Specialized Training Programmes:
  • Chemical Ecology Programme (2015): Tailored training for PhD and postdoc researchers with institutes like NCBS, IISc.

• Genomics-Driven Research in Human Health (2016):Comprehensive workshops for biomedical research, molecular genetics, and clinical sample handling.

B. Agriculture & Farmers-Focused Initiatives

• DBT-North East Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology (NECAB) – Phase III:
  • Enhanced services to farmers; supported research on crop resilience and productivity

• Citrus Research & Development:
  • Established facilities at Institute of Horticulture Technology, Assam
  • Developed disease-free rootstocks for Khasi mandarin and sweet orange

• Medicinal Plant Cultivation:
  • Cultivated 64.1 acres with crops like Curcuma caesia and high-value lemongrass
  • Trained 649 farmers and entrepreneurs in sustainable farming practices

• Value Addition to Indigenous Fruits:
  • Explored Docynia indica (Assam apple) for products like jams, pickles, and juices
  • Conducted awareness campaigns in tribal communities of Assam and Meghalaya

Major Achievements & Innovations

• Agricultural Innovations:
  • Bacterial Blight-resistant Rice Variety “Patkai“:
    • Developed by Assam Agricultural University
    • Combines resistance with flood tolerance (Ranjeet Sub1 background)

• Veterinary & Livestock Innovations:
  • Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) for Brucellosis Detection:
    • Rapid detection tool with high sensitivity for livestock disease management

• Digital & Technological Solutions:
  • Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES):
    • Mobile app aiding pig disease diagnosis
    • Available on Google Playstore; improves veterinary outreach and farm productivity

Broader Impacts & Sustainable Growth

• Biodiversity Preservation:
  • Sustainable use of medicinal and indigenous plant resources

• Economic Upliftment:
  • Boost in local income via bio-entrepreneurship and product diversification

• Educational Empowerment:
  • Enhanced research opportunities and skill development in biotechnology

• Environmental Sustainability:
  • Focus on eco-friendly agriculture and disease-resistant crops

• Community Engagement:
  • Active involvement of farmers, tribal communities, and students in biotech projects

Way Forward

• Strengthen partnerships between local institutions and national/global biotech leaders
• Expand biotech solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability
• Foster community–driven bio–entrepreneurship for long-term economic resilience

Ministry of Mines classifies Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as Major Minerals

Background and Policy Context

• Notification: Issued by the Ministry of Mines on 20th February 2025 through a gazette notification.
• Reclassification: Minerals Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz moved from minor to major minerals category.
• Policy Alignment: Follows the National Critical Mineral Mission approved by the Union Cabinet on 29th January 2025, aimed at self-reliance in critical minerals.

Relevance : GS 3(Mines and Minerals)

Rationale Behind Reclassification

• Critical Minerals Exploration:
  • Quartz, Felspar, and Mica are found in pegmatite rocks—rich sources of critical minerals like Lithium, Beryl, Niobium, Tantalum, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten.
  • Baryte is associated with ores of Antimony, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Silver.

• Under-Reporting Issue:
  • Under minor mineral leases, critical minerals were overlooked as the focus was on using primary minerals for construction, glass, ceramics, etc.
  • Leaseholders did not declare or extract associated critical minerals, leading to loss of strategic resources.

• Economic and Strategic Significance:
  • Critical minerals are vital for:
    • Energy transition technologies (e.g., lithium for batteries)
    • Spacecraft industries (lightweight, heat-resistant materials)
    • Healthcare sector (advanced diagnostic devices)

• Baryte’s use in oil and gas drilling, radiation shielding, electronics, and construction materials underscores its industrial relevance.

Implications of Major Mineral Classification

• Enhanced Regulation and Exploration:
  • Mines to be regulated by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) for scientific mining practices.
  • Increased exploration expected due to stricter compliance and higher investment incentives.

• Lease Period Extension:
  • Existing leases will not be adversely affected.
  • Major mineral leases: Extended up to 50 years under Section 8A of the MMDR Act, 1957.

• Revenue and Federal Dynamics:
  • Revenue sharing pattern unchanged; states continue to accrue mining revenues.

• Transition Period:
  • Four-month window provided until 30th June 2025 for operational adjustments.

Key Benefits of the Move

• Strategic Autonomy:
  • Reduces dependence on imports of critical minerals crucial for energy and technology sectors.

• Resource Optimization:
  • Promotes co-mining of associated minerals, ensuring better resource utilization.

• Boost to Industries:
  • Enhances the supply chain for renewable energy, electronics, defense, and healthcare industries.

• Environmental Considerations:
  • Scientific mining practices to reduce environmental degradation and improve sustainability.

Challenges and Considerations

• Operational Readiness:
  • Mines and leaseholders must adapt to stricter IBM compliance norms.

• Environmental and Social Concerns:
  • Scaling exploration may pose ecological challenges; needs careful Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

• Capacity Building:
  • States and private players need to upgrade mining technology and exploration techniques.

Way Forward

• Focus on Sustainable Mining: Balance economic gains with environmental protection and community welfare.
• Promote Innovation: Encourage use of advanced mining technologies for efficient resource extraction.
• Enhance Private Sector Participation: Attract investments through policy stability and ease of doing business measures.
• Monitor Critical Mineral Supply Chains: Develop strategies for long-term mineral security to support India’s energy and technological ambitions.