India's bioeconomy has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, expanding from USD 10 billion in 2014 to more than USD 130 billion in 2024, a more than tenfold increase. During his address at PBBCON-2025 in Jammu on March 6, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh projected that this trend will continue, potentially pushing the sector to a massive USD 300 billion by 2030. However, he highlighted that despite this rapid expansion, the significant biotech potential of the Himalayan regions, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, remains largely untapped.
Addressing the International and National Conference on “Emerging Innovations in Biochemistry and Biotechnology for Holistic Development of Agriculture,” Dr. Singh highlighted the ongoing Bio-revolution in India, comparing it to the IT revolution that reshaped the West. He underscored the significance of the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources in propelling this transformation. He also noted that the budget of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has seen a remarkable 130% increase, rising from Rs 1,485 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 3,447 crores in 2025-26, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing the sector.
Jammu and Kashmir, with its unique climate and rich flora, has already witnessed success in Agri-Biotech through initiatives such as the Aroma Mission and the floriculture revolution. These programs have empowered local farmers to cultivate high-value aromatic plants and flowers, creating new economic opportunities through essential oil extraction and floriculture-based startups. Dr. Singh stressed that these efforts are transforming traditional farming into a profitable biotech-driven industry.
The minister also highlighted some of India’s major biotech achievements in 2024, including the world’s first HPV vaccine, the indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin,’ and groundbreaking gene therapy trials for Hemophilia. He credited these advancements to Mission Suraksha, which played a crucial role in developing India’s first indigenous DNA-based vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. India’s biotechnology prowess has placed the nation third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally in biomanufacturing.
Further strengthening the sector, the New BioE3 Policy, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, prioritizes biomanufacturing and bio-foundries. Additionally, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), with an allocation of Rs 50,000 crores, aims to fuel innovation by attracting 60% private sector investment. The biotech startup ecosystem has flourished under these initiatives, growing from just 50 startups in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today.
Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s remarkable rise in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 80th place in 2014 to 39th in 2024. He credited this to the “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India” initiative, which has encouraged youth-led innovation. Today, India boasts the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 5,300 Indian scientists ranking in the world’s top 2%.
Apart from biotechnology, Dr. Singh touched upon India’s growing nuclear energy ambitions. Once met with skepticism, the country’s nuclear program is now globally acknowledged for its sustainable and peaceful goals, with an ambitious target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047.
Encouraging the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to play a pivotal role in India’s biotech revolution, Dr. Singh called on students and researchers to leverage institutions like SKUAST University to drive innovation.
The conference also saw addresses from SKUAST Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi and Dr. Sharma, President of the National Society of Biochemistry & Biotechnology in Agriculture, who echoed the importance of scientific advancements in shaping India’s future.
