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BIOTECHNOLOGY IN NEPAL - A SYNOPSIS

Professor Dr. Sarbajna Man Tuladhar
Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST)
Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.

1. INTRODUCTION
Biotechnology has been around us for centuries. In industrialized countries, modern
biotechnology has become well advanced.
In the last decade of the 20th century, Nepal witnessed several biotechnology-derived
products in the market :
Human health care products
Seeds and plants of high yielding variety of agricultural and horticultural crops
Food products and drugs
Improved livestock
Animal health care products
They entered into the country from the neighboring and the developed countries.
Modern biotechnology has entered into Nepal like bandwagon and everybody is jumping
onto it. In fact biotechnology programs are running without any policies and plans.
Modern biotechnology in Nepal is still in a state of infancy.
2. THE CONCERNED MINISTRIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology

Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation
Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operative
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education and Sports
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply

3. PRESENT STATUS OF DIFFERENT AREAS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

3.1 PLANT TISSUE CULTURE

Plant tissue culture is the major biotechnology activity of public as well as private
sectors.

Public laboratories developed protocols for in vitro propagation of different plant

species.
Private laboratories produced elite plants commercially using protocols developed
by public laboratories.
3.1.1 PUBLIC SECTOR INITIATIONS

Prominent laboratories involved in plant tissue culture are:

1. DEPARTMENT OF PLANT RESOURCES (DPR)

First tissue culture laboratory established in 1976 at Godavari to initiate and

promote plant tissue culture.
Developed protocols for tissue culture propagation of more than 100 plant species
including orchids, agricultural and horticultural trees, ornamental plants, and
bamboo.
Most important achievement is the development of sand rooting technique the
tissue-cultured micro shoots can be rooted in the non-sterile sand.
Sand rooting technique is easy, cheap, less time consuming, economic,
conveniently done in nurseries, can easily be established for field plantation.
Provides tissue culture training for entrepreneurs. Consequently four private plant
tissue culture factories have been established.

2. NEPAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH COUNCIL (NARC)

Potato Research Program (PRP) with the assistance of Swiss Development

Corporation has been producing virus-free pre-basic seeds of potato at its tissue
culture laboratories and green house facilities at Khumaltar.
Established tissue culture laboratories at regional agricultural research stations at
Dhankuta (Eastern development region) and Lumlay (Mid-western development
region) to promote micro propagation.

Division of Agriculture Botany of NARC has initiated some works on

anther culture of rice and wheat,
germ plasm conservation and diagnostic facilities
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology.
3. HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT/ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Its activities were:

Tissue culture propagation of apple rootstocks.
Micro grafting of sweet orange (JUNAR) for the production of virus-free and
greening-free plants.
However the facilities remain unused at present.

4. INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL SCIENCES (IAAS) / TRIBHUVAN

UNIVERSITY.

Established tissue culture facilities with the grant assistance from Rockefeller
Foundation.
Assisting thesis works for M. Sc. Degree.
3.1.2 UNIVERSITY SECTOR ACTIVITIES

1. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY/ TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

Activities:
Tissue culture propagation of different medicinal plants.
Anther culture.
Rhizobium inoculation in leguminous plants
3.1.3. PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIONS
1. BOTANICAL ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD.

In vitro propagation of many species of orchid, potato, fodder, Chrysanthemum,

Gerbera, African violet, Lily etc.
Export directly to The Netherlands.

2. NEPAL BIOTECH NURSERY

Produces banana, orchid, and ornamental plants by tissue culture and non-sterile
sand rooting technique.

3. RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND

BIOCHEMISTRY (RLABB)

Tissue culture propagation for pine, Artocarpus, Brassica.

Anther culture of cold tolerant rice
Modest facilities for DNA work by PCR technology and enzyme analysis.

Facilities are used for research and teaching.

4. MICROPLANTS NEPAL PVT. LTD.

Commercial propagation of banana, orchid, lily, mums etc.

5. GREEN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (GREAT)

Developing virus testing and elimination facilities on horticultural crops such as

potato, citrus, banana, cardamom, strawberry, and some ornamental plants using
tissue culture techniques.
Has modest screen-house facility for indexing against citrus greening disease.
Cleaned two potato cultivars of Bangladesh namely Petronese and Multa from
potato viruses such as PVX and PVY.
Cleaned three leading cultivars of large cardamom (Amomum subutalum) namely
Ramshahi, Golshahi, and Dambarshahi from Chhirke and Furke viruses.
Virus-free plants derived from meristem culture are available for further
multiplication.

6. HIMALAYAN BOTANICAL RESEARCH CENTRE (HIMBORCE)

Established infrastructure for micro propagation of medicinal and ornamental

plants indigenous to Nepal.
Embarking upon micro propagation of Gladiolus.

3.2 BIOFERTILIZERS
1. ROYAL NEPAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RONAST)

Developed Rhizobium inoculant technology for pulses.

Developed microbial inoculant technology for composting.
Use of ecto and endomycorrhiza in conservation of forest soils.
Quality production of organic fertilizers.

2. DIVISION OF SOIL SCIENCE / NARC

Production and distribution of legume inoculant packets for more than a decade.
Distributed 2627 Rhizobium inoculant packets to the farmers for important pulse
and pasture crops.

3. DIVISION OF PLANT PATHOLOGY / NARC

Engaged in spawn production technology for mushroom culture using two genera
namely Agaricus and Pleurotus.

3. RESEARCH CENTRE FOR APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RECAST) / T. U.

Improvement of traditional composting technology.

An integrated approach for the utilization of municipality solid wastes.

5. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY / T. U

AND
6. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY / T. U.

Impact of industrial waste on land and water pollution.

3.3 BIOPESTICIDES
1. ROYAL NEPAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RONAST)

Several isolations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) from Nepalese soils for biological
control of Lepidoptera caterpillar in crucifer vegetables.
Field trial of indigenous pesticide plants like Eupatorium adenophorum, Lantana
camara, Azadirachta indica etc. in collaboration with Department of Agriculture
(Ministry of Agriculture).

2. DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY / NARC

Reported efficacy of Acorus calamus (Root powder), neem oil (Azadiractin,

0.15%), and neem seed extract (Azadiracta monotetala) against storage insect like
Sitophilus zeamais.

3. RESEARCH CENTRE FOR APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY / T. U.

Survey of plant pesticides for grain storage.

3.4 MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

1. THE LEPROSY MISSION, NEPAL

Determination of cytokines by ELISA for blood immune response studies in

leprosy patients.
DNA diagnosis of Mycobacterium leprae by PCR.

2. CENTRAL VETERINARY LABORATORY

Vaccine production against PPR (Pestes des Petites Ruminant) using tissue
culture.

3. NEPAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH COUNCIL (NARC)

Performing embryo transfer and artificial insemination in cattle.

4. EVEREST BIOTECH PVT. LTD.

Production of specific antibody required of Human Genome Project, England.

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5. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY/ T.U.

Antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities of medicinal plants.

Study of specific inhibitors for proteolytic enzymes.
Taxol from endophytes of Himalayan conifers.

6. CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY / T. U.

Antimicrobial activities of some plant extracts.

7. RESEARCH CENTRE FOR APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY / T. U.

Bioprospecting of ethno medicinal plants of Nepal for the conservation of

biological and cultural resources.

3.5 DISEASE DIAGNOSTICS

1. ROYAL NEPAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RONAST)

Diagnosis of Asian citrus greening diseases or Huanglongbing of citrus using

PCR based technique.
Diagnosis of Citrus tristeza virus disease using Double Antibody Sandwich
Enzyme Linked Imunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) technique.

2. INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL SCIENCES (IAAS) / T. U.

Diagnosis of viral and bacterial diseases in rice using PCR technology.

3. GREEN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (GREAT)

Use of PCR technology for routine diagnosis of citrus-greening disease

(Huanglongbing).
Provides training on virus testing using DAS-ELISA and biological indicator
plants for the diagnosis of Huanglongbin on citrus.

3.6 BIOENERGY AND BIOCONVERSION TECHNOLOGY

1. RESEARCH CENTRE FOR APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RECAST) / T. U.

Improvement of biogas production by using weeds such as Eupatorium

adenophorum and water hyacinth.
Bio fuel from the Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L) for running diesel engine.

3.7 MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION

1. NEPAL AGRICULTURE AND RESEARCH COUNCIL (NARC)

Genetic diversity analysis of Fagopyrum spp. (wild sweet and bitter buckwheat)
using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD).
Genetic diversity analysis of isozymes in indigenous crops like rice, finger millet,
barley, pigeon pea, buckwheat, taro, cucumber, sponge gourd, citrus, and Swertia
spp.

2. ROYAL NEPAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RONAST)

Initiated research work on molecular characterization of medicinal plants like

Swertia chirata, Camellia sinensis etc. and microorganisms such as Bacillus
thuringiensis.

2. RESEARCH CENTRE FOR APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RECAST)

Selection of appropriate genotypes of Mulberry and exploitation of genetic yield

potential of common buckwheat ecotypes.

3.8 FERMENTATION
Fermentation is the major traditional biotechnology and national heritage of Nepal.
Significant ancient biotechnologies still surviving in Nepal are confined to cottage
industry scale or individual family consumption; they are:

Fermentation and distillation of characteristic alcoholic drinks from millet

(KODO), rice, brown sugar (SAKHAR) by using indigenous yeast.
The traditional process of making yeast is still a closely guarded secret.
Fermentation of leafy vegetables into GUNDRUK, the favourite food specialties
of rural Nepalese.
GUNDRUK from the leaves of mustard, radish or cauliflower.
SINKI from radishes cut into pieces.
SINAMANI from the whole radishes without their leaves cut out.
Browning of rice into HAKUWA or HAKUJAKI (literally meaning black rice) by
indigenous fermentation.
Production of jute (NALU) from the bark of the hemp through fermentation
process.
Production of yogurt (DAHI) and hard cheese (CHHURPI).
Dung used as fertilizers and dung cakes used as fuel for cooking.

Interesting to note that traditional biotechnology is being conserved predominantly by

womenfolk.
3.9 PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS/
PROCESSES

3.9.1 AT COMMERCIAL / SEMI-COMMERCIAL LEVEL

Tissue culture raised plantlets of sisso tree, orchids, medicinal plants, ornamental
plants, and virus free banana and citrus.
3.9.2 AT COTTAGE INDUSTRY LEVEL

Characteristic alcohol from millet (KODO), rice, and brown sugar (SAKHAR).
Fermented vegetables GUNDRUK, SINKI, SINAMANI.
Yogurt (DAHI) and Hard Cheese (CHHURPI).

3.10 BIOTECHNOLOGY IN ACADEMIA

3.10.1 AT UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL

Biotechnology is taught only as a small part of the course unit.

3.10.2 AT GRADUATE / POST-GRADUATE LEVEL

Central Department of Botany, T. U. M. Sc. Thesis works in tissue culture.

Central Department of Microbiology, T. U. M. Sc. thesis works in agriculture
biotechnology, medical biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, genomics,
and proteomics.
Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, T. U. thesis works in diagnosis of
viral and bacterial diseases in rice using PCR technology.
Two year M. Sc. in Biotechnology opening soon in Tribhuvan University, the
oldest and largest university of Nepal.
Kathmandu University B. Sc. with specialization in Biotechnology.
Purbanchal University B. Sc. with specialization in Biochemistry (with more
emphasis on Biology).
Pokhara University B. Sc. with specialization in Biochemistry (with more
emphasis on Chemistry).

3.11 HUMAN RESOURCES

Persons specialized in biotechnology are only nominal.

Most biotechnology activities are due to personnel specialized in Agriculture and
Botany.

3.12 NATIONAL ORGANISM BANK

Established in 1985 at Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology.

Objectives: Isolation, identification, and maintenance of the microorganisms

(fungi and bacteria).
Acts as a depository to supply authentic microbial cultures for the use in various
research activities of research organizations, universities, and industries. This is
an attempt to conserve and utilize microbial genetic resources of the country.

3.13 BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION NETWORK

Biotechnological research findings and activities are communicated through

occasional papers and annual reports published by respective organizations or
national journals.
Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology plans to develop the
information networking in Biotechnology.
A resource centre as the focal point of SAARC Technical Committee on Science
and Technology will be developed in due course of time.

3.14 REGULATORY PROCEDURES

Nepal has signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety on March 2, 2001.

Focal point for the Biosafety Protocol is the Chief of the Environment Division in
the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation.
Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation has enforced Biosafety Regulations
2062 BS throughout the Kingdom of Nepal on and from May 25, 2005.

OTHER PERTINENT LEGISLATIONS :

- Export Import (Control) Act, 2013 BS.

- Food Act, 2023 BS.
- Plant Protection Act, 2029 BS
- Livestock Feed Products Act, 2033 BS
- Medicine / Drug Act, 2035 BS
- Seed Act, 2045 BS
- Livestock Health and Livestock service act, 2055 BS
3.15 REGULATORY MECHANISM
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY

Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

Department of Livestock, Animal
Quarantine Section and 25 Quarantine
check posts / Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives.
Plant Quarantine Office, Department of

RESPONSIBILITY

National Focal Point for the Biosafety

Protocol.
For enacting The Livestock Health and
Livestock Service Act.
For enacting The Plant Protection Act and

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Agriculture/ Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives
Department of Food Research and Quality
Control
Department of Drug Administration /
Ministry of Health
Department of Industry / Ministry of
Industry, Commerce and Supply
Department of custom / Ministry of
Finance

The Seed Act.

For checking whether any food products
are polluted or of quality below the
permissible standard for human
consumption.
For issuing permission for production,
import, export, and clinical trial of new
medicines.
For issuing license to establish industry and
for export and import of goods.
For issuing of custom clearance of goods
only after seeking recommendation or
permission letter from the concerned
Departments.

For dealing with the issues of the LMOs / GMOs, capacity of the above-mentioned
ministries should be increased.
Capacity increment refers to:
Human resources development
Infrastructure (laboratory and equipments) development
Development of administrative mechanism
Networking of concerned ministries
Formulation of legislation
3.16 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Nepal has always expressed its solidarity and commitment toward several
international efforts related to the environment conservation. Consequently it has
become a signatory to a number of international legal instruments.
LEGAL INSTRUMENT

Plant Protection Agreement for the SouthEast Asia and Pacific Region.
Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance Especially waterfowl Habitat.
Convention for the Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora.
World Conservation Strategy
World Charter for Nature
International Tropical Timber Agreement.
Agreement on Network of Aquaculture

DATE SIGNED

27 February 1956
2 February 1971
23 November 1972
3 March 1973
1980
1982
18 November 1983
8 January 1988

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Centres in Asia and the Pacific.
Conservation on Biological Diversity.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
World Trade Organization (WTO) member
[147th].

22 May 1922
2 March 2001
23 April 2004

4. MAJOR CONSTRAINTS

Acute lack of national program on biotechnology.

Biotechnology programs are usually dependent on the initiative of a few foreigntrained scholars and enthusiast scientists at home.
National Biotechnology Policy is non-existent as yet. Draft of the Policy prepared
by Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has been years in gestation
in the Cabinet.
Lack of qualified and properly trained research and development manpower the
limiting factor both for private and government sectors.
The availability and quality of infrastructures relevant to biotechnology research
is negligible.
Lack of public sector-private enterprise links, university-industry interaction, and
university-university cooperation.

5. PROSPECTS
Despite serious handicaps, the prospects for growth of biotechnology in Nepal are
numerous.
Biotechnology potentials worth mentioning are:
AGRICULTURE / FOOD SECTOR

Plant tissue culture

Biofertilizer
Biopesticide
Animal feeds and supplements from agricultural products

INDUSTRY SECTOR

Food and industrial enzymes

Fermentation products
Bio energy, bio fuel and bioconversion

HUMAN HEALTH CARE SECTOR

Development of rapid diagnostic kits and techniques

Production of culture media
Production of monoclonal antibodies

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Vaccines against malaria, measles, diarrhoea, jaundice, cholera etc.

Therapeutic agents from local plant resources, for example, anticancer /
antitumour drugs, sweeteners, dyes, flavours, fragrances etc.

ANIMAL HEALTH CARE SECTOR

Veterinary diagnostics and vaccines

Immunology
Embryo transfer

MINING SECTOR

Mineral leaching is particularly important in the context of Nepal having several

mineral deposits scattered all over the country in relatively lower volume of
mineral deposits.

DNA TECHNOLOGY

Identification and isolation of genes for use in molecular hybridization.

DNA fingerprinting for forensic, diagnosis of genetic disease, paternity analysis,
immigration, and citizenship record.
Studies on polymorphism and molecular mapping of endangered and commercial
crops.
Development of diagnostic kits.
Selection in breeding programme.

AQUACULTURE

Feeds
Diagnostics

HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT SECTOR

Introduction of biotechnology and bioinformatics at the graduate and post

graduate levels in universities.
More Ph. D.s at home and abroad.
Academic collaboration with leading universities in the neighbour and abroad.
Develop programs to foster biotechnology entrepreneurship.

ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY

Biological control agents

Urban waste management
Industrial waste treatment
Monitoring tools and biosensors

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6. POSSIBLE ROLE OF BINASIA

A serious constraint is the lack of information on biotechnologies.

No institution has developed capability in information collection, retrieval and
dissemination. Therefore it relies on industrialized countries for specialized
information.
Solution to information shortage is to conduct a thorough literature search on the
existing information, which should then be stored in the institutes having the
capability to manage information and make it easily accessible to biotechnology
researchers.
OR
to set up a biotechnology information centre and establish a computer link with
institutions in the industrialized countries. However this depends on the
willingness of the institutions in the developed countries to share their
biotechnological information with developing or least developed countries.
Hence pivotal role of BINASIA could be to make avail of publications with full
text.
T H AN K YO U