Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (KDPMA) is in discussion with the State Department of Industries and Commerce for the identification of land for the much awaited Pharma Park.

The Association which has already identified the land around Mandya en-route to Mysore is now undertaking feasibility studies to assess the infrastructure and environmental clearances for setting up the Pharma Park.

"We need to study the viability of the project. While the association is hell-bent for a dedicated Pharma Park which has been long pending, it will speed up the process of selecting the location at the earliest. By October end, we should complete the process of land selection", Anjan K Roy, president, Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association told Pharmabiz.

There is need to closely assess the water and power availability along with the accessibility to the location via road and rail. Pharma industry from the state generated Rs.3,500 crore worth exports in 2009-10. Therefore, a closer evaluation on the transportation methods is being carried out, he added.

Further, as pharma industry comes under chemical production category, there is need for stringent adherence to pollution control norms.

The Pharma Park will give a fillip to the growth of the pharma industry in Karnataka which is known for its quality practices and outsourcing of research and manufacture for global pharma majors.

Of the 236 pharma companies in the state almost 90 per cent are in the small sector and handful of medium and large companies. The production units are entrepreneur-driven and have been recognized for repeat manufacture orders from international drug majors. The key advantages of a Pharma Park would be the ability for small and medium enterprises to help bridge the infrastructure gaps. The Park would provide a conducive environment for growth of the hi-tech manufacture and research units. The companies located in the Park by default will need to adhere to GMP and Good Lab Practices (GLP) norms apart from clearances from the Pollution Control Board.

There will be a dedicated effluent treatment plant taking care of chemical discharges. The Park which is expected to have not only manufacturing plants, but R&D labs, contract and clinical research centres part from pilot scale units environment and training institutes will nurture the growth of SMEs. The conducive environment will only aid the development of SMEs but also increase the contract manufacture orders for the SMEs from large pharma companies because of the compulsory quality production compliances. Further, the modern amenities and self-contained infrastructure would attract investments into the sector from global players, said Roy.