Gujarat plans Rs 100-crore marine biotechnology corridor at Mocha in Porbandar to boost Blue Bioeconomy
Gujarat plans a ₹100-crore Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor in Porbandar to boost the state's blue bioeconomy and coastal livelihoods.
In a massive move to unlock the potential of India's vast oceans, the Government of Gujarat has proposed a ₹100-crore investment to establish a cutting-edge Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (M-BRIC). Located at Mocha village in the Porbandar district, this ambitious project aims to transform marine biological resources into high-value industrial products, fueling a new era for the state's blue bioeconomy.
A Vision for the Blue Bioeconomy
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial success. The proposed corridor is designed as an integrated ecosystem that connects marine science, biotechnology research, field cultivation, and pilot-scale biomanufacturing. By creating a seamless pathway from raw marine resources to market-ready products, Gujarat aims to position itself as a global leader in marine biotechnology.
The project is an initiative of the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) under the Department of Science and Technology. To formalize this vision, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the GSBTM and the CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI). The signing ceremony is expected to take place in the presence of Science and Technology Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia and Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani.
Turning Seaweed and Microalgae into Gold
Gujarat's coastline is home to a wealth of untapped biological resources, including seaweeds, microalgae, marine microorganisms, and unique saline ecosystems. The M-BRIC project will utilize advanced technologies such as genomics, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing to convert these resources into a variety of high-value sectors:
- Agriculture & Animal Health: Development of biofertilisers, biostimulants, aquafeed, and animal nutrition products.
- Health & Wellness: Production of nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
- Industrial Applications: Creation of enzymes, biosurfactants, and marine-derived biomaterials.
- Seaweed Derivatives: Extraction of valuable substances like agar, alginate, and carrageenan for diverse industrial uses.
The Mocha Hub and Beyond
Mocha village in Porbandar has been selected as the principal hub for this corridor. This strategic location is intended to link marine research and innovation directly with coastal resources and community participation. A key feature of the hub will be a dedicated seaweed-processing cluster, which will house facilities for:
- Receiving and washing raw materials
- Pre-processing and extraction
- Drying, powdering, and packaging
- Storage and rigorous quality control
While Mocha serves as the heart of the project, the influence of the corridor is expected to ripple across the Saurashtra region and the wider Gujarat coastline. Plans also include the development of microalgal biorefineries at salt-pan facilities, creating a connected network of marine biotechnology innovation.
Empowering Coastal Communities
Beyond the scientific and industrial advancements, the M-BRIC project is deeply rooted in social and economic development. By bringing together government departments, research institutions, universities, startups, and MSMEs, the corridor aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. The shift from conventional resource extraction to knowledge-intensive, technology-driven industries is expected to generate significant employment and boost the local economy through entrepreneurship and commercialisation.