India’s Biotechnology Revolution: A Bright Future Ahead
On the first day of the New Year, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh shared an optimistic vision for India’s biotechnology sector in an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News. As the Minister of State for Science and Technology, he expressed confidence that by 2025, India will play a critical role in the global biotechnology revolution. He attributed this potential to the newly launched Biotechnology policy, known as BIO-E3, introduced by the Modi government. This policy aims to enhance the economy, create jobs, and promote environmental sustainability through biotechnology.
Dr. Singh emphasized the significant progress India has made in biotechnology over the past decade. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership, the country has embraced innovation and technology-based solutions. The Minister believes that biotechnology will be at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, positioning India as a global powerhouse in this field.
India’s Growing Leadership in Biotechnology
India’s biotechnology sector has seen remarkable growth, expanding from a $10 billion industry in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024. Projections indicate that this figure could reach $300 billion by 2030. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India is not just a leader in biotechnology; it is at the center of a global biotech boom. This growth will foster innovation, create jobs, and strengthen environmental commitments.
Currently, India accounts for 60% of global vaccine production and boasts the second-largest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the United States. The Minister pointed out that the country is emerging as a global leader in various sectors, including Bio-Pharma, Bio-Agri, Bio-Industrial, Bio-Energy, Bio-Services, and Med-Tech. This diverse range of opportunities positions India favorably on the global stage, attracting investments and fostering innovation.
The Impact of the BIO-E3 Policy
The recently approved BIO-E3 policy marks a significant milestone for India’s biotechnology sector. This forward-thinking initiative aims to harness biotechnology for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that this policy will shape the future of India’s biotechnology landscape.
The Minister also compared the ongoing “Bio-revolution” in India to the IT revolution that transformed the West. He noted that India’s rich natural and biodiversity resources are crucial to its biotechnology success. Furthermore, he praised Indian startups for leveraging biotechnology to create innovative solutions, such as non-human milk and other sustainable products.
The launch of the Mission Suraksha initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the development of indigenous DNA-based vaccines and the world’s largest vaccination drive. In 2024, India achieved notable milestones, including the development of the world’s first HPV vaccine and the indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin, effective in treating respiratory diseases. These achievements underscore the potential of India’s biotechnology sector to address pressing health challenges.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration among various institutes to drive innovation in biotechnology. He highlighted the “whole of Science, whole of Government, and whole of Nation” approach, which fosters cooperation and resource-sharing. Initiatives like the Deep Sea Mission and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) are set to further accelerate innovation in the sector. The Indian government has already sanctioned 1000 crores to support these efforts.
In addition to biotechnology, India is making strides in other cutting-edge fields, such as quantum technology and space exploration. Dr. Singh noted that an Indian-origin individual will soon be sent to the US Space Station, showcasing India’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space technology.
As Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded, India’s leadership in technology and innovation is now recognized globally. Other countries look to India for guidance and inspiration, marking a significant shift in the global landscape. India’s advancements in biotechnology and emerging technologies position it as a key player, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the years to come.
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