Indias biotech sector grew nearly fivefold in past decade: DBT Secretary
New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) India's biotechnology sector has expanded rapidly in the past decade, with its bioeconomy growing from USD 35.5 billion in 2014 to USD 165.7 billion in 2024, according to Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
He said the sector is now aiming for a USD 300 billion target by 2030, as scientific advances begin to translate into industrial and public health gains.
"Biotechnology is no longer a fringe discipline, it's now a strategic driver for India's economic and health priorities," Gokhale said at a press conference highlighting 11 years of DBT's achievements.
Among the standout initiatives is GenomeIndia, a nationwide effort to sequence the genomes of 10,000 individuals from 99 population groups, he said.
The data, released earlier this year, is expected to inform personalised medicine and help researchers develop diagnostics tailored to Indian populations.
Gokhale also highlighted India's first in-human gene therapy trial using a lentiviral vector for Severe Hemophilia A.
India's vaccine response, Gokhale said, demonstrated the capacity of the DBT-backed innovation ecosystem.
Under "Mission COVID Suraksha", five COVID-19 vaccines developed with DBT support received emergency approvals, including GEMCOVAC-19, the world's first thermostable mRNA vaccine.
Other products include the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine and CERVAVAC, India's first indigenous quadrivalent HPV vaccine, now part of the National Immunization Programme, according to document shared at the briefing.
Indian scientists contributed to decoding the complex genome of bread wheat, a global staple crop, and published a reference genome with 94 per cent coverage.
Other research showed how Mycobacterium tuberculosis can infect liver cells and undermine TB treatment efficacy, while a study on taurine levels suggested amino acid may influence aging.
Gokhale said India's biotech startup landscape has changed dramatically, with over 10,000 startups now in the sector, up from a few hundred a decade ago. Over 800 biotech products have emerged in this period.
Through BIRAC, DBT has helped set up 95 bio-incubators across 21 states.
Infrastructure investments include India's first dedicated biomanufacturing institute in Mohali and vaccine testing labs notified as Central Drug Laboratories. Speed breeding facilities have also been established to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops.
The BioE3 policy, approved by the Cabinet in 2024, is aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing aligned with Net Zero targets.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
First Post
23 minutes ago
- First Post
India Reboots Ties with North Korea. Here's Why It Matters Vantage with Palki Sharma
India Reboots Ties with North Korea. Here's Why It Matters | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G India Reboots Ties with North Korea. Here's Why It Matters | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G India and North Korea might seem like unlikely partners—but their ties run deep. From mediating the Korean War in the 1950s to joining hands in the Non-Aligned Movement, New Delhi and Pyongyang have shared decades of quiet diplomacy. Trade flourished, high-level visits took place, and goodwill endured—until sanctions froze the momentum. Now, India is back, appointing a new ambassador after a four-year gap. Aliawati Longkumer, who is currently the Charge d'affaires of the Embassy of India in Paraguay, has been named as the next Indian Ambassador to North Korea. Why? Palki Sharma tells you. See More
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
ASI finds ancient river channel linked to Saraswati in Bharatpur
Jaipur: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a dried-up river channel beneath Bahaj village in Deeg district — believed by many scholars to be linked to the mythical Saraswati River. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The excavation, carried out between April 2024 and May 2025, is hailed as the second-largest archaeological excavation in Rajasthan's history. What excites historians and archaeologists most is that the site offers a vivid window into ancient settlements that thrived between 3500 BC and 1000 BC. Most of the discoveries date back to the Kushan, Magadha, and Sunga dynasties. Among the standout discoveries is a 23-metre-deep palaeo-channel — a buried ancient riverbed, the first such finding in Indian archaeological history. "This ancient river system nourished early human settlements and connects Bahaj to the larger Saraswati basin culture," said Vinay Gupta, superintending archaeologist, ASI Jaipur, in his presentation at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently. Gupta described the palaeo-channel as an "unprecedented discovery confirming ancient water systems supported civilisation here". Further digging revealed residential structures with earthen posts, trenches with stratified walls, furnaces, and a variety of iron and copper artefacts. Microlithic tools — small stone implements — suggest that the settlement's roots stretch into the pre-Holocene era. "The discovery of furnaces and metal objects clearly indicates the inhabitants' advanced knowledge of metallurgy," Gupta said at the antiquity exhibition held in Deeg in May 2025. What makes Bahaj even more remarkable are the spiritual relics unearthed: 15 Yajna Kundas (sacrificial pits), votive tanks dedicated to Shakti worship, and terracotta images of Shiva and Parvati, dating back to at least 1000 BCE, pushing back the antiquity of these traditions by centuries. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Archaeologists also found four unbaked sealings, two inscribed with Brahmi letters — considered the earliest datable Brahmi script evidence on the subcontinent. In addition, large-scale Yajna Kundas from the Mahajanapada period were discovered, filled with sandy soil and miniature pots holding uninscribed copper coins. This could challenge existing timelines on the origins of Indian coinage. The excavation also points to Bahaj's rich craft heritage: evidence of bone tool industries, semi-precious bead-making, and shell bangle production, highlighting the region's economic vibrancy across ages. Experts believe that Bahaj — located within Surasena Janapada region of ancient India, of which Mathura was a key centre — could prove vital in reshaping our understanding of India's early history. "The Bahaj excavation has the potential to rewrite key chapters of India's early history — from food production to the origins of Sanatana Dharma and early trade practices. Bahaj offers it all," Gupta concluded in the paper. Bahaj village, located about 50 km from Mathura, holds significant archaeological importance. Earlier, similar ancient discoveries were made at 3-4 sites in the region, but this is the largest so far, according to the ASI. ASI has submitted a detailed report to the Union ministry of Culture, which will decide the next steps for the site's future.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Punjab health minister inspects civil hospital, calls for action to improve safety and healthcare
Ludhiana: Health and family welfare minister, Punjab, Dr Balbir Singh visited the civil hospital for an inspection and took serious note of recent incidents of theft, including that of water tank covers. He inspected facilities and assessed the quality of healthcare services being provided to patients. Expressing concern about theft cases, the minister directed police officials to take swift action and ensure that the culprits were arrested at the earliest. He emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of malpractice or negligence in public health institutions. The health minister toured various wards during his visit, interacting with patients and their families to gather first-hand feedback on hospital services. He assured them of the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible, quality treatment for all. Addressing concerns about Covid-19, the minister reassured people that the situation was well under control and urged citizens not to panic. He highlighted the importance of adhering to Covid guidelines, such as wearing masks in crowded places and maintaining hygiene. On dengue prevention, the minister said that health department teams were actively conducting door-to-door inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and raise awareness about symptoms and preventive measures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo He appealed to the public to actively participate in the "Har shukarvaar, dengue te vaar" campaign and follow departmental instructions to help curb spread of the disease. Issuing a stern warning against corruption, Dr Balbir Singh declared, "If any employee is found taking bribes for work, strict disciplinary action will be taken immediately." He urged hospital staff to uphold integrity and said, "This is your hospital, and it is your responsibility to run it with honesty and dedication." The visit concluded with the Minister instructing hospital authorities to ensure that all facilities are well-maintained and that patient care remains a top priority. MSID:: 122028315 413 |
