JAMMU, March 6: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored India’s remarkable bioeconomic growth over the last decade, highlighting the untapped biotechnology potential of the Himalayan territories, particularly Jammu & Kashmir. Speaking at PBBCON-2025, an international and national conference on “Emerging Innovations in Biochemistry and Biotechnology for Holistic Development of Agriculture” in Jammu, Dr. Singh revealed that India’s biotech economy surged from a $10 billion valuation in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024. Projections indicate this figure will further expand to $300 billion by 2030, marking an era of unprecedented scientific and economic advancements in the sector.
The Minister likened India’s ongoing “Bio-Revolution” to the IT boom witnessed in the West, emphasizing how the country’s vast natural and biodiversity resources are fueling this transformation. He also pointed to a substantial rise in the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) budget, which increased from ₹1,485 crore in 2013-14 to ₹3,447 crore in 2025-26—an approximately 130% increase.
Dr. Singh highlighted the significant role of Agri-Biotechnology in J&K, particularly through initiatives such as the Aroma Mission and the floriculture revolution. These programs have enabled local farmers to cultivate aromatic plants and flowers, driving a thriving industry in essential oils and floriculture products. He emphasized that J&K’s unique climate provides a fertile ground for agri-biotech innovation, yet much of its potential remains unexplored.
During his address, Dr. Singh also detailed India’s recent biotechnology breakthroughs, including the development of the world’s first HPV vaccine, the indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin,’ and the pioneering gene therapy experiment for Hemophilia. He credited these successes to initiatives such as Mission Suraksha, which facilitated the creation of indigenous DNA-based vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. India’s execution of the world’s largest vaccination drive was among its most significant global scientific achievements. The country now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally in biomanufacturing.
Discussing future policies, Dr. Singh highlighted the New BioE3 Policy launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This initiative prioritizes biomanufacturing and bio-foundries, heralding a new era for India’s biotechnology sector. He also elaborated on the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), which has been allocated ₹50,000 crore in the 2024 budget, with 60% funding from the private sector. The NRF aims to foster innovation and support India’s expanding deep-tech and biotech startup ecosystem. The sector has witnessed exponential growth, with the number of biotech startups surging from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today.
Reflecting on India’s global scientific standing, Dr. Singh noted that the country has climbed from 80th place in the Global Innovation Index in 2014 to 39th in 2024. He attributed this leap to the “Start Up India, Stand Up India” initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi, which has empowered young entrepreneurs to drive economic transformation. Additionally, he highlighted that 5,352 Indian scientists are now ranked among the world’s top 2%, solidifying India’s reputation as a hub for global talent and innovation.
Beyond biotechnology, Dr. Singh touched upon India’s growing prowess in nuclear energy. Once met with skepticism, India’s nuclear energy program is now recognized globally for its peaceful and sustainable ambitions. The country has set an ambitious target of generating 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047, aligning with its broader climate and sustainability goals. He described India’s nuclear policy, initially envisioned by Homi Bhabha, as a model for responsible energy development worldwide.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh called upon the youth of J&K to seize the opportunities emerging from India’s biotech revolution. He emphasized that institutions like SKUAST University can play a pivotal role in advancing agri-biotech innovations, ensuring the region becomes a leading contributor to India’s scientific and economic growth. He encouraged young entrepreneurs and researchers to explore the vast possibilities within the biotech sector, leveraging India’s expanding global scientific leadership.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Prof. B.N. Tripathi and President of the National Society of Biochemistry & Biotechnology in Agriculture, Dr. Sharma, also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the importance of biotechnology in shaping the future of agriculture and sustainable development in India.