Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin inaugurates TNAU Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology building

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu Chief minister MK Stalin inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology building at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). The building of the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology has been constructed at a cost of Rs 430 crores. The centre will focus on providing support to students, professionals, and research institutions.

TNAU vice-chancellor V Geethalakshmi said the centre will facilitate research activities in sectors such as agricultural science, food technology, green biotechnology, biosynthesis, bioresource utilisation and bioinformatics. “The research in these areas will contribute towards advancements in agriculture to develop climate and disease-resistant and high productivity crops,” the VC said.

Tamil Nadu agriculture and farmers welfare minister Thiru MRK Panneerselvam and housing and urban development minister Thiru S Muthusamy were also present on the occasion.

The centre will focus research on producing high-quality yields to enhance nutritional content and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The V-C also emphasised on a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate collaboration between universities, research, development institutions and startups in the field of biotechnology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular diagnostics, gene isolation, cell culture and agricultural inputs.

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Centre to host 18 companies

The university said 10 companies have been requested to occupy the cabin space and eight firms have been requested to occupy the floorspace in the CoE in biotechnology building.

During the event, the TNAU also signed an agreement with two companies – Chennai-based Aiva Organics Stores and GreenOcean Research Labs.

TNAU CoE in Biotechnology project director S Mohankumar delivered a formal vote of thanks. All university officers, department heads, faculty members, scientists, staffs and students were present at the inauguration ceremony.