As India strives toward the vision of a self-reliant and developed nation, with the vision of “Viksit Bharat,” the agriculture sector holds a pivotal role in transforming this dream into reality. Advanced biotechnology is emerging as a catalyst in the agri-food industry, driving innovation and boosting productivity, resilience, and sustainability. With a robust agricultural heritage, India is now embracing cutting-edge biotechnologies, such as genetic engineering, genome editing, microbial biofertilizers, and precision agriculture, to tackle challenges like low crop yields, pests, climate change, and food security.

With this intent, the government launched India’s first dedicated biomanufacturing institute, equipped with the Bio-manufacturing Resource and Innovation Centre (BRIC), to transform the agricultural and food-processing sectors. Through this, incubation support for biotech startups, advanced research, and skill development will be provided. BRIC offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources, enabling researchers and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that boost crop yields, reduce wastage, and enhance food quality.

This notable initiative is supporting agri-based startups focused on sustainable crop production, nutrient-rich food innovations, and environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. For instance, advanced gene-editing techniques like CRISPR are being utilized to improve crop resilience to pests and climate change. Biotech innovations also explore microbial solutions for enhancing soil fertility and precision farming technologies that use AI and IoT to monitor crop health. Such advancements are not only improving productivity but also reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture.

The establishment of BRIC underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a robust biotechnology ecosystem by encouraging public-private partnerships and international collaborations. It aims to bring India to the forefront of global agri-food innovation by emphasizing indigenous research and localized solutions. As the world faces food security challenges, India’s efforts in bio-fortified crop development offer scalable models for others.

Thus, agri-food innovation, driven by advancements in biotechnology and powered by centers like BRIC, is going to shape a resilient, technologically advanced agricultural landscape in India. It will not only contribute to Viksit Bharat but also pave the way for India’s leadership in global food security and sustainability efforts. Continued support and strategic investments, will provide the required push to make India a pioneer in sustainable agriculture and food systems, positioning the nation for a prosperous future.