The integrated Bio-Centre established by the Department of Horticulture in Shivamogga is likely to become functional by January 2015.
The centre has been established under the Rashtriya Krushi Vikasa Yojana (RKVY) of the Union government at a cost of Rs. 8.2 crore. It has a plant tissue culture laboratory, a phytosanitary and micro-biology laboratory, facility to produce bio-inputs and a bio-control laboratory.
Deputy Director of Department of Horticulture M. Vishwanath told The Hindu that the centre will design programmes for conservation of appemidi, a tender variety of mango endemic to Malnad region, Heddur variety of brinjal and Tirthahalli ashgourd. Scientific research and documentation on these native varieties of crops will be undertaken here, he said.