Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with the Minister of State for the same ministry, inaugurated two significant facilities at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun: an Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and a Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility. These developments build upon the foundation laid last year with the inauguration of the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC). This press release was issued on December 21, 2024.
Next Generation Sequencing Facility (NGS)
The new Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility is a major advancement for wildlife research in India. NGS technology allows for the rapid and simultaneous analysis of millions of DNA sequences, providing unprecedented insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health.
In wildlife conservation, NGS will be instrumental in:
- Assessing population genetic health and diversity.
- Identifying genetic barriers and their impact on populations.
- Studying unique adaptations and species with distinct evolutionary histories.
- Understanding disease outbreaks.
- Detecting illegal wildlife trade.
- Studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change emphasized the importance of the facility, stating,
“This facility is a game-changer for wildlife research in India. It empowers scientists with the latest tools to decode the genetic mysteries of our biodiversity and create science-based solutions to protect it.”
The Minister of State added,
“With the Next-Generation Sequencing facility, we are equipping ourselves to address modern conservation challenges with precision and innovation. Developing indigenous capacity to handle such modern technologies…is critical to take our country forward.”
The NGS facility is expected to enhance research on endangered species like tigers, elephants, and riverine dolphins, as well as facilitate studies on genetic adaptation to climate change and pathogen-host interactions.
Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification
Building on the success of the PCC, the new Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification introduces a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). This technology will significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of wool testing and certification, further ensuring the authenticity of Pashmina products.
Since its inception, the PCC has certified over 15,000 shawls, preventing the mixing of other fibers and facilitating smooth trade in national and international markets. The upgraded facility offers:
- Advanced Fiber Analysis: SEM-EDS technology for precise Pashmina fiber identification and authentication.
- Streamlined Certification: Unique ID tagging and e-certificates for traceability and quality assurance.
- Global Trade Facilitation: Easier movement of certified products, reducing delays and financial losses.
Supporting Artisans and Conservation
The PCC, established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), supports artisan and weaver communities in Jammu & Kashmir by certifying genuine Pashmina products and ensuring fair trade practices. It also contributes to the conservation of the Tibetan antelope (Chiru) by discouraging the illegal trade in Shahtoosh wool.
