Gujarat has launched a first-of-its-kind genome sequencing project focused on its tribal population.

• This project is titled “Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat”, as announced in the 2025–26 Budget.

About Gujarat’s Genome Sequencing Project

• Aim:  To sequence the genomes of 2,000 individuals from various tribal communities across 17 districts in the state.
  • Its Focal point is to identify the burden of hereditary diseases, including sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
• Implementing Agency:  Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center (GBRC).
  • It is supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Tribal Development Department of Gujarat.
• The project includes state-of-the-art infrastructure for:  Sample collection, Genome sequencing, Interpretation of genetic data

• Significance: 
  • The project will serve as a bridge between science and tradition, aiming for a healthy and prosperous future for tribal communities.
  • It will help identify genetic markers for Innate immunity, Cancer, Hereditary diseases.
  • Tribal health profiles will be linked to basic health services for targeted medical support.
  • It is designed not just as a research project but as a campaign for long-term health improvement

What is Genome Sequencing ?

• It is a process that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism, including genes and non-coding regions. It identifies the precise order of the nucleotide bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine) in DNA. Determining the order of bases is called sequencing. 

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