LAHORE, Dec 19: The Ministry of Science has allocated Rs500 million for the promotion of biotechnology.

The amount will be spent on research and development activities and upgradation of infrastructure and human resource development, official sources said here on Wednesday.

The allocation has been made following a recent meeting of the National Commission on Science and Technology held under the chairmanship of President Gen Pervez Musharraf. The president, according to the sources, underlined the need for the promotion of biotechnology and information technology.

The commission will now develop a national biotechnology policy and an action plan. This will be the first time that such a policy will be developed.

The sources said the policy was expected to be finalized in six months. The commission will also ensure the implementation of bio-safety guidelines.

SEEDS: A new law is being enacted in consultation with the provinces to boost the seed industry. The Plant Variety Protection Act will give an institution evolving a new variety of seed the right to 30 per cent of its income which will be used for research and development.

The legislation should have been enforced in December last year, officials said. The provincial governments have provided their input.

Ministry of Agriculture officials say the absence of such a law has been one of the major obstacles to the development of the seed industry.