As per the World Bank-CII study, the state of Maharashtra still continues to reign the investment scenario. And this is true for the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, too, says Dr Patangrao Kadam, and minister of state for trade and commerce, in a press conference at 54th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress.

Revealing more statistics about the contribution of Maharashtra in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Kadam said, "The state already contributes about 40% of the total turnover in the drugs and pharmaceuticals sector in India. The state has 4,100 registered pharmaceutical manufacturers out of the total of 20,053 in India." The minister stressed on the fact that talent pool in the state was vast which could serve as vital input for the industry.

He further noted, "Most international and national companies have shown their preference for Maharashtra. Many companies have set up their biotech production facilities and R&D centre in the state.'' He also cited the example of Mahyco in Jalna district where BT cotton approved by the government of India was developed.

Commenting on the much coveted patent regime that is set to hit the country in the year 2005, Ashwini Kumar, Drug Controller General India said, `` Now that India has signed TRIPS agreement, it will witness the entry of patent regime by the year 2005 that will not allow the Indian companies to copy the molecules developed by other companies. As with patent regime in place, India will switch from being a process patent nation to a product patent nation.''

Echoing the words of Dr. Kadam, Kumar too, agreed that India has lot of potential in research area and he also cautioned Indian companies to gear up for the year 2005 and develop their qualitative research activities.

Elaborating more on the Pharma Parks and Drug Information Centre in the Pune City, the two projects that he announced in his address at the inaugural function, Dr. Kadam said,`` There are plans to set up `Pharma Parks' at Hinjewadi, Chakan or Talegaon and `Drug Information Centre' at Kharadi or Hinjewadi areas in the city on the line of biotech and IT parks to promote research and training.''

He disclosed that more than five acres of land might be allotted for the Pharma Park and drug information centre will be opened in the already existing complexes in the Kharadi or Hinjewadi areas. ``Under the guidance of renowned scientist, R. A Mashelkar, we have appointed a committee of scientists who will work in consultation with Biotechnology Task Force, for taking the plan ahead.''