The Centre unveiled its BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy last week. On the face of it, the policy appears to be a routine attempt to create incentives and opportunities to energise growth in the biotech sector.
The policy seeks to achieve this by harnessing the power of biotechnology, and developing new manufacturing methods that replicate, or mimic, processes found in natural biological systems. Government officials are calling it the first step towards the industrialisation of biology, which can have profound impacts on the economy.
Alongside the BioE3 Policy, the Union Cabinet also merged three schemes of the Science & Technology Ministry into a single scheme, called Vigyan Dhara, with a financial outlay of Rs 10,579 crore until 2025-26.
Major Features of BioE3 Policy:
— Traditional products such as synthetic clothes, plastics, meat or milk, and fuel can have more environment-friendly alternatives, produced using modern biology. Similarly, several chemical processes in the industry can be replaced by organic and less polluting biological processes.
— For example, animal-free milk, which is the same in taste, texture, and nutritional benefits as natural milk, can be produced using a process called precision fermentation.
-Micro-organisms such as some kinds of bacteria and algae can also be used for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a critical bioprocess in times of climate change.
— The BioE3 policy is thus an attempt to prepare India for the future. The policy is unlikely to yield any economic dividend in the near term. But the idea is to build competencies, promote research.So that India can be well-placed to derive benefits when the technologies become mature.
— The BioE3 policy envisages the setting up of several biomanufacturing hubs across India.
The hubs will focus on six areas —
1.bio-based chemicals and enzymes,
2.functional foods and smart proteins,
3.precision biotherapeutics,
4.climate resilient agriculture,
5.carbon capture and utilisation
6.futuristic marine and space research.
What is Biotechnology?
–Biotechnology is the application of living organisms or their parts to make technological advances and utilise those technologies in various fields.
–The modern era of biotechnology started with the discovery of the DNA structure as well as the development of genetic engineering techniques and the polymerase chain reaction.
–Biotechnology has many applications, especially in medicine and agriculture including therapeutics, diagnostics, and genetically modified crops, etc.
–In India, biotechnology is entering a new era of growth as it is one of the key enablers for driving the bio-economy of the country, which has grown to more than $137 billion in 2022 from $35.5 billion in 2014.
Benefits:
Healthcare Advancements: Medical Biotechnology (Red Biotech) enables the development of advanced drugs, vaccines, and therapies, including personalised medicine, gene therapy, and targeted cancer treatments.
-It also facilitates rapid vaccine production, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Stem cell research and tissue engineering offer the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and organs, opening doors to treatments for previously untreatable conditions.
Agricultural Improvements: Agricultural Biotechnology (Green Biotech) involves genetic modification and engineering in plants that can produce crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors like drought, thus improving food security.
-Biotech allows for the development of crops with enhanced nutritional profiles, such as Golden Rice, which is fortified with vitamin A to combat malnutrition.
EnvironmentalSustainability:Biotechnology uses microorganisms to clean up pollutants (bioremediation) like oil spills, heavy metals, and plastics, helping to restore ecosystems and reduce environmental damage.
-Industrial Biotechnology (White Biotech) applies biotechnology to industrial processes, such as the production of biofuels, bioplastics, and biodegradable materials.
-It focuses on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability through cleaner production methods.
Biotechnological innovations help recycle and upcycle waste materials, contributing to a circular economy and reducing landfills.
Economic Growth: The biotech industry drives economic growth by creating jobs in research, development, and manufacturing sectors.
-Countries investing in biotechnology lead in cutting-edge innovations, giving them a competitive edge in global markets and trade.
Climate Change Mitigation: Certain biotechnologies can capture and utilize carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
-Biotechnology aids in the production of cleaner biofuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon footprints.
Innovation in Materials: Biotechnology enables the engineering of novel materials, including bio-based fibers and high-performance bio-composites, which have applications in industries ranging from fashion to aerospace.
Current State of Biotechnology in India:
-Biotechnology Hub: India ranks among the top 12 biotechnology destinations globally. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of biotechnology in India, leading to advancements in vaccines, diagnostic tests, and medical devices.
-In 2021, India saw a record number of biotech startup registrations, with 1,128 new entries, the highest since 2015. The total number of biotech startups reached 6,756 by 2022, with expectations to hit 10,000 by 2025
-Bioeconomy: India’s bioeconomy has seen a meteoric rise, from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 130 billion in 2024, with projections to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
-Biopharma remains the largest segment of India’s bio-economy, accounting for 49% of its total value, estimated at USD 39.4 billion. The vaccination market is projected to be worth Rs. 252 billion (USD 3.04 billion) by 2025.
-Bioresources: India’s vast biodiversity, especially in the Himalayas, and the 7,500 km long coastline provide a significant advantage in biotechnology.
The Deep Sea Mission aims to explore the biodiversity beneath the seas.
Challenges with Biotechnology Sector in India:
Biotechnology in India holds immense potential, but it faces several challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize its benefits. Some of these key challenges are:
1. Regulatory Hurdles
Complex Approval Processes: The approval process for biotechnology products, such as genetically modified crops and biosimilars, is often cumbersome and time-consuming, with multiple agencies involved.
Lack of Clear Guidelines: Regulatory guidelines, especially in areas like genetic engineering, are often ambiguous, leading to delays and confusion.
2. Limited Infrastructure
Research and Development Facilities: Many biotech companies and research institutions lack access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, hampering advanced research.
Cold Chain and Supply Chain: For biotechnology products like vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, maintaining the cold chain is critical, but India’s logistics infrastructure is often inadequate.
3. Funding and Investment
Limited Access to Capital:Startups and small biotech firms often struggle to secure sufficient funding due to high research costs and long gestation periods before seeing returns on investment.
Startups and small biotech firms often struggle to secure sufficient funding due to high research costs and long gestation periods before seeing returns on investment.
Inconsistent Government Support: While there are government schemes for promoting biotechnology, they often face issues with implementation and continuity, affecting long-term growth.
4.Public Perception and Ethical Concerns
Resistance to GMOs:
There is significant public resistance to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), especially in agriculture, due to concerns over safety and environmental impact.
Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical concerns around gene editing, cloning, and stem cell research present challenges in gaining trust of the people.
5.Bio-Networking: Effective bio-networking is needed to enhance interaction among biotechnology businesses, address intellectual property rights, and ensure biosafety and bioethics.
Way Forward:
Strengthening Infrastructure
- Bio-clusters and Bio-parks: Establish bio-clusters and bio-parks to create innovation hubs where startups, research institutions, and industries can work together, leveraging shared infrastructure.
- World-Class Laboratories: Build more state-of-the-art laboratories with modern equipment for high-end research and testing, particularly in areas like genomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
Strengthening Public Awareness
- Outreach Programs: Launch campaigns to educate the public about the importance of biotechnology in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
- Encourage Bioethics: Ensure that biotechnology applications follow ethical guidelines, ensuring public trust in the industry.
Education and Training
- Skill Development: Develop specific programs in universities and technical institutes to enhance biotechnology skills, particularly in emerging fields such as bioinformatics, gene editing (CRISPR), and drug discovery.
- Research Fellowships: Offer more fellowships and scholarships for students pursuing biotechnology research to encourage a stronger talent pool.
By focusing on these areas, India can boost innovation, commercialization, and global competitiveness in biotechnology, contributing to its economy and the advancement of healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development.
Also Read:
Vigyan Dhara Scheme