One Day One Genome’ initiative to harness microbial potential of India

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have introduced the 'One Day One Genome' initiative to showcase India's enormous microbial potential

Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and Former CEO, NITI announced the launch of ‘One Day One Genome Initiative’ held at the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.

'One Day One Genome’ initiative will highlight the unique bacterial species found in our country and emphasise their critical roles in the environment, agriculture and human health. Microorganisms are crucial for our ecosystem. They play an important role in all biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, mineral purification, degradation of organic wastes and toxic pollutants and methane production. Cumulatively they help to maintain homeostasis in our planet. They are essential for our digestion, immunity and even mental health. All infectious diseases are mainly caused by pathogenic microorganisms on the other hand non-pathogenic microorganisms are indispensable for our defense against infectious diseases.

Genome sequencing will allow the visualisation of the hidden potential of the microbial world to the community at large. Sequencing data can be analysed to identify the genome-encoded capacities for various important enzymes, antimicrobial resistance, bioactive compounds etc. Research in this field will lead to better protection and management of our environment, development in agriculture and improvement in human health.

This initiative is coordinated by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (BRIC-NIBMG) an institute of the Department of Biotechnology. The initiative aims a release a fully annotated bacteriological genome isolated in the country freely available to the public. This will be complemented with a detailed graphical summary, infographics and genome assembly/annotation details. These documents will thus give an idea about the scientific and industrial use of these microbes. Consequently, microbial genomics data will become more accessible to the general public, and scientific researchers and thereby stimulate discussions; innovations directly benefit the entire community and ecosystem.

PIB