News Brief
Gujarat Set To Launch India's First Tribal Genome Mapping Project
Gujarat set to begin tribal genome study to boost community health insights. (Pic Via X)
Gujarat is set to launch a large-scale genome mapping project focused solely on its tribal communities, reported The Times of India.
Teams of scientists will visit towns and villages in 17 districts with sizable tribal populations to collect 4,158 biological samples, including blood, to develop about 2,000 whole genome sequences (WGS), representing over 20 tribal communities.
While Gujarat earlier contributed to the national Genome India Project, this marks its first dedicated effort to build a reference genome database for tribal populations.
The project was discussed during a session titled ‘Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat’ on Wednesday.
Kuber Dindor, Minister of Tribal Development, and Kunwarji Halpati, Minister of State (Tribal Development), chaired the session, which included scientists from the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) and officials from the Department of Science and Technology.
“This is the first such initiative in the country, focusing exclusively on tribal groups," an official was quoted as saying by ToI.
The study will include communities such as Bamcha, Garasia Bhil, Chaudhar, Dubla, Gond, Nayaka, Warli, and the Sidi community—known for its African roots.
The study design will include at least one genetic trio (samples from both parents and a child) per tribe to trace hereditary traits.
The sampling will involve healthy adults aged 18 and above, without visible blood disorders, with an aim for 50 per cent women representation. Local authorities will support public awareness and consent collection.
Dindor called the project a bridge between science and tradition, emphasising its potential in advancing personalised and community-level health care.
