Himachal Pradesh Biotechnology Policy 2014
Biotechnology is a fast developing field with wide applications for all human beings. Biotechnology is formally defined as ''the application of science and technology to living organisms as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services. It involves manipulating and modifying organisms, often at the molecular level, to create new and practical applications for agriculture, medicine and industry." . Himachal Pradesh has wide scope for developing various types of BT based industries using raw material base of fruits, vegetables, high value cash crops and other naturally growing herbal plants. These industries can be in various sectors such as, bio-pharmaceuticals, phyto- chemicals, bio-prospecting, fermentation, post-harvest processing, bio-processing, pharmaceuticals, biochemical, genetically engineered micro-organisms, enzyme production, environment protection and animal husbandry etc. There is also immense scope of application of biotechnology in agriculture and horticulture sectors in Himachal.