Gujarat has become the first state in India to launch a genome sequencing program dedicated exclusively to its tribal communities.
Announced during a high-level consultation chaired by State Tribal Development Minister Kuber Dindor, the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project aims to identify genetic health risks and advance precision healthcare among indigenous populations. The initiative will involve genome sequencing of 2,000 individuals from tribal groups across 17 districts in the state.
Titled "Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat", the project is spearheaded by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) and has been allocated funding under the 2025–26 State Budget.
Minister Dindor highlighted that the primary focus of the project will be the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of inherited diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, and hereditary cancers.
“This is more than a scientific endeavour; it is a transformative step to improve the long-term health of our tribal communities by integrating advanced genomics with traditional knowledge,” he said.
Beyond identifying disease risks, the genetic mapping will help uncover markers of natural immunity, laying the groundwork for personalised healthcare solutions tailored to tribal populations.
Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure for sample collection, DNA sequencing, and data analysis, the project aims to combine scientific innovation with social impact.
Experts emphasized that the initiative is not solely a research effort, but a community empowerment campaign, using biotechnology to drive inclusive and sustainable health outcomes for underserved populations.