Call for Proposals at Department of Biotechnology

Call for Proposals at Department of Biotechnology | Apply Now

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, has announced a significant research initiative through its “Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme” specifically for the North Eastern Region (NER). This mission is designed to scientifically harness the vast biological wealth of the Himalayas, covering tropical to alpine biodiversity across the region’s unique altitudinal gradients. The objective of this call is to fund translational projects that bridge the gap between scientific research and societal application, focusing on increasing productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

About The Organisation

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, is the nodal agency for biotechnology development in India. Through the Himalayan Bio-resource Mission (NER), launched in 2021, the DBT focuses on scientifically harnessing the North East’s unique “treasure house” of biodiversity—spanning tropical to alpine regions. The institute prioritizes “lab-to-land” research that boosts regional productivity, conserves endemic species, and integrates modern science with traditional Himalayan knowledge to improve local livelihoods.

Call for Proposals
under
“Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme of North Eastern Region”

About The Programme

The Himalayan Bio-resource Mission Programme (NER) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, launched in 2021 to scientifically address the unique challenges of the North Eastern Region (NER). As a “lab-to-land” program, it focuses on the translational and transformative use of the region’s vast tropical to alpine biodiversity, aiming to increase agricultural productivity, promote high-value cash crops, and leverage “invisible” microbial resources. The mission mandates that the “Centre of Gravity” for all research must remain within Northeast India, integrating modern biotechnological tools with rich traditional knowledge to develop climate-resilient crop varieties and value-added bio-products. Initially spanning a three-year duration, the program is structured across five core research verticals: Plant & Agricultural Resources, Insect & Animal Resources, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Microbial Resources, and Environmental Sciences.

Research Verticals & Focus Areas

The mission is organized into five specialized scientific verticals:

• Plant and Agricultural Resources: Focuses on genetic improvement and conservation of high-value crops such as King Chilli, Kachai Lemon, Pineapple, Ginger, and Turmeric. It emphasizes the use of advanced biotechnological tools to develop climate-resilient varieties.
• Insect and Animal Resources: Targets the enhancement of fisheries (including Mahseer and Rohu) and the improvement of livestock breeds like Yak, Mithun, and Pigs. It also includes studies on insects used in traditional medicine.
• Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Aims to develop phytopharmaceutical drugs and nutraceuticals from unique local resources. Key plants include Agarwood, Sugandhmantri, and wild edible greens like Fiddlehead fern.
• Microbial Resources: Focuses on identifying beneficial microorganisms for industrial applications and developing nutritionally relevant formulations for the community.
• Environmental Sciences & Bioenergy: Addresses the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem through eco-restoration, sustainable waste management, and the conversion of biomass into clean energy.

Eligibility and Collaboration Rules

This biotechnology opportunity is open to scientists and researchers holding regular positions in recognized research institutions, government colleges, or universities.

• Who Can Apply: Regular Scientists/ Researchers in Indian Research Institutions/ Universities.
• NER Mandatory Participation: Involvement of at least one institution from the North Eastern Region is mandatory. The “Centre of Gravity” of the research must remain within the NER.
• National Collaboration: Scientists from other parts of India may apply, but only as collaborators. The Main Principal Investigator (PI) must be from an NER institution.
• Budget Allocation: In multi-institutional projects involving non-NER partners, more than 50% of the total project budget must be strictly allocated to the NER institute(s).
• Project Limits: Investigators currently managing five or more ongoing DBT-funded projects (as PI or Co-PI) are ineligible to apply.
• Exclusions: Private profit-making industries, startups, and agencies are not eligible for funding under this specific mission.

Application Process & Selection

Proposals must be submitted electronically through the DBT eProMIS portal. Manual submissions or those via email will be summarily rejected.

• Portal: Access the “eProMIS” system
• Submission Path: Select “Submit Proposal under Calls” and then the area “NER Programme.”
• Documentation: Applicants must include a flowchart illustrating the project methodology and clearly define the roles of all partnering institutions.
• Duration: Projects will be funded for an initial period of 3 years.
• Selection Criteria: Shortlisting will be based on scientific merit, the competence of the PIs, and the potential for societal impact as per DBT norms.

Key Dates and Contact

• Application Deadline: 19th January 2026.
• Technical Support: Email at [email protected] or 01124365136 for portal-related issues.
• Program Queries: Contact Dr. Suraksha S. Diwan (Scientist ‘F’) at [email protected].

Note: Proposals submitted through the DBT eProMIS portal ONLY will be considered.

This Call for Proposals represents a premier biotechnology opportunity to lead high-impact research in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Unlike a standard DBT recruitment, this initiative empowers regional scientists to spearhead projects in plant improvement, animal husbandry, and environmental restoration. By combining traditional knowledge with modern biotechnology, the mission aims to transform the NER bio-resource landscape. Ensure your proposal is comprehensive and submitted through eProMIS by the 19th January 2026 deadline.

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