Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology building was inaugurated by The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K.Stalin in the presence of Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Pro-chancellor M.R.K.Panneerselvam, Minister for Housing and Urban Development S. Muthusamy, Selvi.Apoorva, IAS., Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Government, and Kranthi Kumar Pati I.A.S, District Collector, Coimbatore on 13.03.2024 at 11.00 am.
Coimbatore: Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology building was inaugurated by The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K.Stalin in the presence of Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Pro-chancellor M.R.K.Panneerselvam, Minister for Housing and Urban Development S. Muthusamy, Selvi.Apoorva, IAS., Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Government, and Kranthi Kumar Pati I.A.S, District Collector, Coimbatore on 13.03.2024 at 11.00 am.
In this event, Dr.N.Senthil, Director, CoEB and Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, welcomed the gathering.
Dr.V.Geethalakshmi, Vice-chancellor, TNAU in her presidential address, explained that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnologyat TNAU, Coimbatore in accordance with Article 110 of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and funds value at Rs.430 crores have been allocated. The focus is on providing substantial support to students, professionals, and research institutions, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange, she added.
Furthermore, Dr.V.Geethalakshmi, Vice-chancellor of TNAU, highlighted this initiative, research activities will be conducted in crucial sectors such as agricultural science, food technology, green biotechnology, biosynthesis, bioresource utilization and bioinformatics. This research is expected to contribute significantly to advancements in agriculture, fostering high productivity, addressing climate change and developing crops resistant to diseases. The focus will be on producing high-quality yields, enhancing nutritional content, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, she added.
Additionally, The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that this multidisciplinary approach would facilitate collaboration between universities, research and development institutions, as well as startup companies lead to the development of innovative products and technology in the field of biotechnology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular diagnostics, gene isolation, cell culture and agricultural inputs.The comprehensive research initiatives under the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology are anticipated to play a crucial role in elevating the agricultural sector, fostering scientific advancements, contributing to the overall well- being of the community and make the state a leader at both the national and global levels, she added. Ten startup/established companies are requested to occupy the cabin space and eight companies are requested to occupy the floorspace in CoE in Biotechnology for extend their research activities.
In this event, MoA signed between CoEB in Biotechnology, TNAU and two companies viz., Aiva Organics Stores, Chennai, GreenOcean Research Labs Pvt Ltd., in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar of TNAU, Coimbatore.
Finally, Dr.S.Mohankumar, Project Director, Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, TNAU proposed a formal vote of thanks.
All the University officers, Head of the Departments, faculties, board of directors of Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology, scientists, staffs and students were gathered for the inauguration ceremony.