CHANDIGARH, Feb 26: Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, visited the “Microbe Repository” and other facilities at the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH) to review ongoing projects.
During his visit, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of microbial technology as a fundamental component of biotechnology, noting its pivotal role in driving the next industrial revolution.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the innovative New BioE3 Policy, which emphasizes biomanufacturing and biofoundries. Dr. Singh highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s bioeconomy, stating that it surged from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach $300 billion by 2030.
The Minister also mentioned the recent introduction of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, developed to tackle resistant infections. He pointed out the exponential increase in biotech startups in India—from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today—solidifying the country’s status as a global hub for biotech innovation. Furthermore, he stated that India is now ranked third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally in biomanufacturing, highlighting the growing significance of CSIR-IMTECH in pioneering research in microbial genetics, infectious diseases, fermentation technology, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics.
CSIR-IMTECH is a leading research institute in microbial biotechnology, maintaining a repository of over 14,000 microbial strains through its Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC). This national repository not only provides verified cultures to researchers and industries but also assists key regulatory bodies such as IPC, BIS, and NBA with microbe-related issues. The institute is at the forefront of utilizing microbial resources for scientific and industrial purposes, addressing significant needs in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Connecting virtually with the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur, Dr. Singh inaugurated several new facilities and took part in essential scientific discussions. He attended the EMBO Workshop on High Elevation Plant Adaptation in a Changing Climate (HEPACC) and the Industry, Farmer & Academia (IFA) Meet, highlighting these initiatives as a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to scientific progress, economic empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
Additionally, Dr. Singh virtually inaugurated the new “Tulip” Garden in Palampur, praising the CSIR-IHBT Palampur team for their scientific advancements that have enabled tulip cultivation throughout the year—a model that can be replicated in other regions. He also launched products developed by agri-startups supported by the institute, promoting innovation in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Jitendra Singh commended CSIR-IHBT for leading several national missions, including the:
- CSIR Floriculture Mission — Expanding floriculture to 1,000 hectares, benefiting 3,800 farmers across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, and generating ₹80 crore in income.
- Aroma Mission.
- Millet Mission.
- Immunity Mission.
- Waste to Wealth Mission.
- Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase.
- CSIR Precision Agriculture Mission.
The Minister also inaugurated several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Autonomous Green House, Heeng Seed Production Centre, Heeng QPM Facility, Ornamental Bulb Processing Facility, and Phyto-Analytical Facility. He laid the foundation stone for the Phyto factory Facility and dedicated a Cement Concrete Road from Floriculture Junction to Chandpur R&D Farm.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that by integrating scientific research, industry partnerships, and government policies, the diverse biodiversity of Himalayan states can be leveraged for economic prosperity, benefiting farmers and enhancing India’s scientific landscape.
