The Future of Biomanufacturing: India's New Policy Initiative

The Rise of Biomanufacturing in India

India is positioning itself at the forefront of the next industrial revolution with its new biomanufacturing policy designed to tackle food, energy, and climate challenges, officials said on Sunday. Approved by the Union Cabinet on Saturday, the BioE3 policy is aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, which includes the production of varied products from medicine to materials.

Innovative Solutions for Industry Challenges

• High-performance biomanufacturing will address farming and food challenges.
• It promotes the manufacturing of bio-based products through advanced biotechnological processes.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced environment-friendly alternatives like biodegradable polymers and bio-plastics.

During a media briefing, Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, emphasized the urgency behind this initiative, stating that unlike the semiconductor industry, which entered India much later, now is the time to embrace biomanufacturing.

Aligning with Future Goals

The BioE3 policy is pivotal in aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. With biomanufacturing, not only will existing industries meet the growing demands for food and fuel, but it will also open new job opportunities. Gokhale further mentioned that biomanufacturing could address climate change through innovations like biotextiles and bioplastics.

Strategic Innovations and Research Initiatives

• Research at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute is already underway.
• India aims to reduce its crude oil imports with products made from biomass, plastic waste, and CO2 by leveraging advanced technology.

In a significant insight, an Indian steel company is integrating algal farms to capture carbon dioxide from its operations, showcasing the potential of biomanufacturing.