CHANDIGARH: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State, PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated first of its kind “Green Forge” Complex at “National Agri-food & Biomanufacturing Institute” (BRIC-NABI) at Mohali.
The Minister described this as a milestone in genetically modified crop revolution.
Addressing the National Conclave on BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) at BRIC-National Agri Food Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI), Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the newly inaugurated Green Forge facility, with its controlled simulation chambers, will enable the cultivation and experimentation of genetically modified crops under varied environmental conditions, helping researchers assess their suitability for different locations.
Explaining the significance of the facility, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Green Forge provides simulation chambers in which the quantity and quality of light, humidity and temperature can be varied to create an optimum environment for growing and experimenting with genetically modified crops. He said this capability would help researchers understand how a particular crop performs under different environmental conditions and accordingly assess the locations where it may be suitable for cultivation.
The Minister said that when a new genetically modified variety is developed, an important challenge is to determine where it can be cultivated most effectively. Green Forge can help address this by recreating different environmental conditions in a controlled setting, allowing researchers to study the response of crops before taking them to appropriate cultivation locations.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the ability of the facility to recreate specific parameters that may otherwise be difficult to reproduce naturally. He noted that the simulation of light quality and quantity, humidity and temperature, and the possibility of integrating advanced technologies including AI, can provide researchers with greater flexibility in conducting experiments. He described Green Forge as a novel facility with particular relevance for serious research in agriculture and medical sciences.
The Minister emphasised that such facilities reflect the growing convergence of biotechnology, advanced simulation and Artificial Intelligence, creating new possibilities for research and experimentation. He said that integrating AI with the capabilities of Green Forge could make research processes significantly easier and open up new avenues for advanced experimentation.
Highlighting the broader transformation in India’s biotechnology ecosystem, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India’s bioeconomy has expanded from US$10 billion to US$200 billion, describing the increase as a major quantum jump. He attributed the rapid progress to an enabling approach and greater engagement with the private sector.
The Minister said that the focus of the BioE3 initiative is increasingly shifting towards industry-ready manufacturing, so that research can be translated into products, technologies and solutions. He stressed that scientific work must ultimately be receptive to industry and other stakeholders so that the effort invested in research can generate meaningful outcomes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the development of 22 manufacturing hubs to cater to start-ups, SMEs and researchers. He also referred to the National Bio-Foundry Network comprising eight specialised facilities, describing it as an important initiative for bringing together infrastructure for start-ups and entrepreneurs. He noted that more than 50 process innovations are being scaled up, reflecting the growing emphasis on taking research towards application.
The Minister also highlighted work in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), noting that the Department of Biotechnology is supporting around 38 projects. He said that integrated bio-manufacturing CCU can provide solutions for carbon capture while also addressing emissions from industries such as cement and steel.
Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to emerging areas of biotechnology, including sustainable aviation fuels, the I3 PhD programme and space biotechnology. He highlighted the collaboration with ISRO in life-science experiments, including work relating to myogenesis, cognitive effects and cyanobacteria growth, and noted that India has also made forays into genetics.
The Minister highlighted the work of BRIC-NABI in agri-biotechnology, particularly its integration with bioprocess engineering. He said this work can help convert agricultural waste into nutraceuticals and high-value biomaterials, thereby creating value from agricultural residues.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also called for greater institutional collaboration and clustering, suggesting that institutions located within the same city or region should explore opportunities for closer coordination. He said such clusters could facilitate not only research collaboration but also academic collaboration, including student-to-student interaction and identification of talent across institutions.
Referring to examples of institutional clustering in different locations, the Minister suggested developing a similar ecosystem in Chandigarh, bringing together institutions working in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and related areas. He said such connectivity could expand the reach of NABI and create opportunities for new ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India’s biotechnology journey is increasingly characterised by the translation of research into products, technologies and solutions, alongside the emergence of a new model of low-carbon and circular economy. He linked this transformation with the broader objectives of Net Zero 2070 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Minister congratulated the BRIC-NABI team and expressed confidence that the institute would emerge as one of the torchbearers of India’s biotechnology revolution, particularly in agri-biotechnology.
Secretary Biotechnology Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Director NABI Dr Pareekh and MD BIRAC Dr Dhananjay Tiwary also spoke on the occasion.
