Facility at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University to strengthen disease surveillance, vaccine research and preparedness for outbreaks
Raipur, October 13: Chhattisgarh has taken a significant step towards strengthening high-level biosafety research with the establishment of an advanced Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGAU) campus in Raipur. The laboratory has been established by the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society on the university campus.
The laboratory will provide a controlled environment meeting high biosafety standards, offering scientists and researchers new opportunities to study infectious pathogens and undertake research related to vaccines and treatments. It is also expected to promote greater coordination between agricultural biotechnology, animal health and infectious disease research.
The facility will provide opportunities for scientists, research scholars, laboratory technicians and other specialists to receive training and undertake research in accordance with high biosafety standards. This is expected to support the development of skilled scientific personnel and encourage the adoption of advanced research techniques in the state.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the facility would provide a major impetus to scientific innovation, infectious disease research and the development of advanced diagnostic technologies. It is expected to support the identification and scientific study of infectious pathogens, as well as research related to vaccines and treatments.
Congratulating IGAU Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Biotech Promotion Society, Dr Girish Chandel, on the achievement, Sai appreciated his efforts in developing the facility.
The Chief Minister said the laboratory would strengthen research and surveillance of infectious diseases affecting plants, animals and humans, particularly zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans. It could also help improve the early detection of serious infections, preparedness for disease outbreaks and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Sai said the establishment of modern scientific infrastructure in Chhattisgarh was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. Given the state’s agriculture- and livestock-based economy, such a facility assumes particular significance, he added.
Emphasising the importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnections between human, animal and environmental health, Sai said the facility would help strengthen integrated disease surveillance and the development of scientific solutions in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
IGAU has already been contributing to agricultural research, biotechnology and the development of modern laboratory infrastructure. Its phytosanitary laboratory plays an important role in testing and research involving agricultural samples, soil, water, crop residues and other materials.
The addition of the BSL-3 facility is expected to further strengthen the university’s research capabilities, the Chief Minister said.
Sai expressed confidence that the laboratory would emerge as important scientific infrastructure for infectious disease research, disease surveillance, biosafety, the study of animal and zoonotic diseases, and preparedness for disease outbreaks. It would also enhance IGAU’s research capabilities and strengthen the university’s standing at the national level, he added.
