BioE3 Policy: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment

Ahead of an important initiative that could have a far-reaching impact in the future, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the 'BioE3- Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment Policy' of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The policy aims to promote organic production for a clean, green and self-sufficient India.

This will help India rise to a prominent position globally at the forefront of the world's future economic growth.

In the challenging context of climate change, non-renewable resources and unsustainable waste generation, an integrated 'BioE3' policy is a promising and critical step towards sustainable growth. The main objective of this policy is to convert chemical-based industries to sustainable bio-based industrial models. This will promote the vegetable bio-economic chain. Converting waste materials from landfills, and greenhouse gases into bio-based products using microorganisms will inspire to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Also, the BioE3 policy will promote the growth of India's bio-economy. facilitating the dissemination and commercialization of bio-based products. The policy also aims at creating entrepreneurial momentum.

Key features of the policy are:

1) High-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers and enzymes; Smart Proteins and Functional Foods; Biotherapeutics; Climate Change Resilient Farming; carbon sequestration and utilization; Encouraging and supporting indigenous research and development-oriented entrepreneurship across various sectors, including marine and space research.

2) Accelerating technology development and commercialization by establishing bio-manufacturing facilities, bio-foundry clusters and bio-artificial intelligence (bio-AI) hubs.

3) Prioritizing regenerative models of economic growth and job creation taking into account ethical and biosecurity considerations.

India, which has shown strong economic growth in the last decade, has immense potential to become a global leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our organic economy has grown 13-fold from $10 billion in 2014 to $130 billion in 2024. The market value is expected to reach 300 billion dollars by 2030. Implementation of BioE3 policy in various sectors will further stimulate the country's bio-economy and promote 'green growth'. Leveraging new technologies and innovations lays the foundation for nurturing high-performance organic production enterprises in the country. Biomanufacturing is primarily aimed at becoming a key pillar of the 'Make in India' initiative. And it will provide a transformative approach to the needs of the 21st century. As an integrated initiative of various sectors, it has the power to develop bio-based products cost-effectively by harnessing the potential of microorganisms, plants and animal cells including human cells, creating only a low carbon footprint.