In a significant move toward establishing India as a global economic leader and a key player in promoting a greener planet, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the country’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Jejuri, Pune, via a remote event from New Delhi. This innovative facility, developed by Praj Industries, represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable solutions.
During the inauguration, Dr. Singh emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this facility, stating, “This first-of-its-kind Biopolymers Demonstration Facility in India is a pioneering initiative aimed at producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic using indigenous technology. This is a crucial step in India’s commitment to shifting away from fossil-based plastics to environmentally friendly alternatives, addressing the pressing global issue of plastic pollution.”
Highlighting India’s progress in science and technology, he noted, “India has become an attractive destination globally, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). Our bioeconomy was valued at over $150 billion in 2023, with projections to reach $300 billion by 2030.”
Dr. Singh also referenced the Union Budget’s focus on green growth and the Prime Minister’s goals of transforming India into a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy, alongside the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ initiative launched in October 2022.
These strategies aim to achieve both self-reliance and support the ‘Make in India’ campaign, with an emphasis on biosafety, ethics, and inclusive growth. He mentioned that the Union has approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy, which is vital for sustainable development amid climate change challenges and the depletion of non-renewable resources.
According to Dr. Singh, “India ranks 12th globally in biotech and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region. We are the largest vaccine producer and boast the third-largest startup ecosystem.” He pointed out the rapid growth of the biotech sector, which has seen the establishment of 95 bio incubators and a surge in biotech startups from about 50 in 2014 to over 8,500 in 2023. This growth positions India as a leader in the global bioplastics movement, demonstrating how biotechnology can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, and government to transform innovative concepts into practical solutions, fostering research and development. Dr. Singh concluded by stating that this facility marks a new chapter in India’s bioeconomy, showcasing the nation’s capacity for technological innovation and providing a sustainable approach to minimizing environmental impact. He urged for a collective effort across all sectors to achieve the “Amrit Kaal” goals over the next 25 years, highlighting India’s potential as a global force in biotechnology.
