JAMMU, Mar 6: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced today that India’s Bioeconomy has experienced over a tenfold increase in the past decade, with the biotech potential of the Himalayan regions, including Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in agriculture biotechnology, remaining largely untapped.
Dr. Singh noted that India’s biotech sector has expanded significantly, climbing from a valuation of $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. He likened the ongoing Bio-revolution in India to the IT revolution seen in the West, emphasizing the vital role of India’s diverse natural resources in this growth. He also highlighted the increase in the Department of Biotechnology’s budget from ₹1,485 crores in 2013-14 to ₹3,447 crores in 2025-26, a remarkable rise of nearly 130%.
The Minister emphasized the game-changing potential of Agri-Biotechnology in J&K, spotlighting successful initiatives such as the Aroma Mission and the floriculture revolution. He further showcased India’s significant advancements in biotechnology, establishing the country as a frontrunner in the industry.
Dr. Singh was delivering the inaugural address at PBBCON-2025, a two-day International and National Conference centered on “Emerging Innovations in Biochemistry and Biotechnology for Holistic Development of Agriculture” taking place in Jammu, coinciding with celebrations of India’s scientific milestones. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to the nation during Mann Ki Baat, urging all to celebrate the day with enthusiasm—a sentiment reverberated in Indian embassies across the globe.
The Union Minister pointed out that Agri-Biotech initiatives like the Aroma Mission and the floriculture revolution have significantly uplifted J&K’s agricultural economy, helping local farmers cultivate aromatic plants and flowers, thereby establishing a sustainable industry for essential oils and floral products. Dr. Singh acknowledged the region’s favorable climate and discussed how biotechnological advancements are transforming traditional farming into a thriving startup ecosystem.
Moreover, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted key milestones in India’s biotech sector in 2024, including the creation of the world’s first HPV vaccine, an indigenous antibiotic named ‘Nafithromycin’, and a groundbreaking gene therapy trial for Hemophilia. He attributed these successes to the Mission Suraksha initiative, which facilitated the development of homegrown DNA-based vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with India’s prominent participation in the world’s largest vaccination campaign.
India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally for biomanufacturing, a proud accomplishment highlighted by Dr. Singh. He discussed the New BioE3 Policy, introduced under Prime Minister Modi, which focuses on biomanufacturing and bio-foundries, signifying a pivotal advancement for India’s biotechnology sphere.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), with an allocation of ₹50,000 crores in the 2024 budget, is set to drive innovation, largely funded by private sector contributions at 60%. This initiative is critical for nurturing India’s expanding deep-tech and biotech startup ecosystem, which has surged from merely 50 biotech startups in 2014 to almost 9,000 today.
Reflecting on a decade of scientific progression in India, Dr. Singh noted the nation’s emergence as the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide, spurred by youth-driven innovation. He mentioned that 5,352 Indian scientific minds now feature in the global top 2%, solidifying India’s status as a hub for talent and creativity.
India’s impressive ascent in the Global Innovation Index—rising from 80th in 2014 to 39th in 2024—further reinforces its position among the world’s most innovative nations. Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Modi for initiating the “Start-Up India, Stand Up India” movement, empowering young entrepreneurs to reshape the economic landscape of India.
In addition to biotechnology, Dr. Singh also addressed India’s escalating role in nuclear energy. Once viewed with skepticism, India’s nuclear program is now acknowledged globally for its peaceful and sustainable aspirations. The nation aims to achieve an ambitious target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047, a vision that is reshaping global climate strategies, with India’s nuclear policies, conceived by Homi Bhabha, now serving as a model for responsible energy development.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by encouraging the youth of J&K to gear up for a vital role in India’s development narrative, emphasizing that J&K, supported by institutions like SKUAST University, can lead the charge in fostering innovation in Agri-Biotechnology and other emerging sectors. He urged young minds to seize the opportunities within India’s expanding biotech industry and its rising global scientific leadership.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST, Prof. B.N. Tripathi, and Dr. Sharma, President of the National Society of Biochemistry & Biotechnology in Agriculture, also addressed the audience.
