Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

The Gujarat government has launched a groundbreaking Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, the first of its kind in India, aimed at creating a comprehensive genetic database for its tribal communities. This initiative is a local extension of the recently completed national Genome India Project (GIP).

Gujarat’s Tribal Genome Sequencing Project:

• Scope and Duration: The project will sequence the genomes of individuals from 20 tribal groups across 17 districts of Gujarat over the next five years.
• Objective: To gain critical insight into the genetic makeup of these tribal groups, who constitute approximately 15% (1 crore people) of the state’s population. This understanding will help in making more focused health and welfare programs and is also expected to enrich the Central Genome India dataset.
• Implementation: Titled “Creation of Reference Genome Database for Tribal Population in Gujarat,” the project was approved in the 2025-26 State budget and will be spearheaded by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
• Six-Point Agenda: The project’s broad goals include:
  1. Capturing the unique genetic diversity of India’s population.
  2. Improving the diagnosis of rare diseases.
  3. Supporting the development of novel drugs.
  4. Developing precision medical treatments tailored to specific genetic profiles.
  5. Building a genomic reference panel specifically for the tribal population.
  6. Boosting public health research infrastructure.
• Identifying Unique Traits: Beyond health, the project aims to identify skill sets associated with genes, particularly recognizing that many tribal communities have excelled in sports (e.g., archery), and identifying the genetic basis for such abilities.
• Addressing Health Challenges: The initiative will focus on common health problems prevalent in Gujarat’s tribal communities, such as malnutrition, anaemia, low BMI, and genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia and G6PD deficiency.

Connection to Genome India Project (GIP):

• The national Genome India Project, whose report was released in January 2025, processed and stored 10,000 genomes from 83 diverse groups at the Indian Biological Data Centre.
• While the GIP included about 1,800 samples from Gujarat, only around 100 were from tribal communities, which was deemed insufficient for proper representation. Gujarat’s dedicated project will fill this crucial gap.