Karnataka Proposes ₹50-Crore Bio-Economy Mission for Kalyana Karnataka Region

The Karnataka government has proposed a three-year initiative named the Kalaburagi Bio-Economy Mission 2026 with an estimated investment of ₹50 crore. The plan aims to use indigenous biological resources to boost agricultural productivity and rural employment across seven districts. Minister for Home, IT, Biotechnology and e-Governance Priyank Kharge stated that the proposal was conceptualised by the Bengaluru Bioinnovation Centre. The initiative will cover Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, and Vijayanagara, with Kalaburagi set to be the main centre.

Focus Areas

The mission targets six major areas, starting with biological crop protection to control wilt disease in tur, anthracnose disease in chilli, and thrips infestation. Another key goal is the value addition of tur by turning it into protein bars, high-protein flour, and ready-to-eat foods. The project also plans to use tissue culture to produce two to three lakh saplings every month to conserve the Kamalapur red banana variety. Other plans include setting up a regional microbial biobank, an integrated bio-economy industrial park in Kalaburagi, and training programs for farmer producer organisations and start-ups.

Context

This proposal focuses on applying modern biotechnology to local agriculture and rural business development in a specific region of Karnataka. The project is currently at the proposal stage and requires a detailed project report, a feasibility study, and final approval from the state government before it can begin.