In November 2025, Gujarat has become the 1st state in India to launch a large-scale tribal-focused genome sequencing project led by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
- In addition to that, the Government of Gujarat will officially designate the year 2025 as ‘Tribal Pride Year’ to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of “Bhagwan Birsa Munda”.
Exam Hints:
- What? Gujarat Becomes 1st Indian State to launch tribal-focused Genome Sequencing Project
- Initiative led by: GBRC
- Purpose: To trace genetic mutations among tribal communities
- Project Title: ‘Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population’
- Aligns with: Genome India Project
- Total DNA Sample Collects: 31 tribal communities (11 districts of Gujarat)
- Early Detection of: Anaemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia and G6PD deficiency.
- Other Key Highlight: Tribal Pride Year
- Which Year: 2025
- To Mark: 150th birth Anniversary of Birsa Munda
About Tribal-focused Genome Sequencing Project:
Aim: To understand the rising prevalence of genetic disorders among tribal communities, a trend believed to be linked to endogamous marriages and limited genetic diversity.
Background: In the Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), the government of Gujarat had approved project titled ‘Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population’ which is designed to establish a comprehensive genomic database in order to fix existing gaps.
- The project aligns with the ‘Genome India Project’, initiated and completed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
DNA Samples Collected: Under this project, DNA samples from 31 tribal communities across 11 districts of Gujarat have been collected to build a reference database that could redefine how genetic conditions are diagnosed and managed in these communities.
Significance: This project will enable the scientists to trace mutations, create low-cost diagnostic panels and facilitate prenatal or even embryo-level testing during IVF procedures.
- Also, it will help in detecting diseases and addressing health issues like: malnutrition, anaemia, and enable the early diagnosis of genetic disorders like: Sickle Cell Anaemia and G6PD deficiency.
Key Features: Sequencing capability of Gujarat is equipped with the state-of-the-art infrastructure like: it operates 3 genome sequencing platforms including long-read sequencer that examines 5,000 to 10,000 base pairs important for resolving complex mutations.
Cost-Effective: Community-based genome sequencing costs DNA-based panels from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 while in contrast to it; the whole-genome sequencing can cost Rs 1 lakh per sample.
- Also, per sample expenses has been reduced to Rs 60,000 (Rs 85,000) due to negotiating costs and investing in local infrastructure.
About Gujarat:
Capital- Gandhinagar
Chief Minister (CM)- Bhupendrabhai Patel
Governor- Acharya Devvrat
National Parks (NP)- Gir National Park, Marine National Park
