Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

India's biotechnology sector has seen remarkable growth, expanding from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 130 billion in 2024. This surge has been fueled by advancements in key technological research. The sector has notably strengthened the biopharmaceutical industry, elevating India’s stature in global healthcare innovation.

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Factors Contributing to the Growth of Biotechnology in India:

• Private Sector Investment: India’s progress in R&D within biotechnology, especially in genetic engineering, vaccines, and biological drug formulations, has resulted in cutting-edge innovations that meet both domestic and global needs.
  • E.g; COVID-19 vaccines and Nafithromycin are examples of these breakthroughs.
• Institutional Support and Policies: The Indian has made significant investments in biotechnology through initiatives like the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), BioE3 Policy, and the National Biotechnology Development Strategy to provide funding, research incentives, and an environment for innovation.
  • Biotechnology is recognized as a sunrise sector, playing a crucial role in India's ambition to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024.
• Improved Global Market Access: With about 3% of the global biotechnology market share, India is becoming a hub for delivering innovative and affordable healthcare solutions.
  • The country has emerged as a leader in the generic drug market.
• Skilled Workforce and Research Facilities: India has a large pool of skilled talent in the biotechnology field, supported by strong academic institutions such as IITs, and CSIR, and various biotech-focused institutions (SII).
  • The collaboration between industry and academia has fostered a conducive environment for biotechnological innovation.

Benefits of Biotechnology Advancement in the Biopharmaceutical Sector:

• India's Global Pharma Footprint: India has strengthened its position in global biomanufacturing, ranking 3rd in the Asia-Pacific and 12th worldwide.
  • It is emerging as a key hub for generic biologics and innovative drug production.
  • The sector's export contribution is growing, with an estimated additional USD 10 billion expected by 2030.
• India’s Vaccine Leadership: India’s strong capabilities in vaccine manufacturing have earned it the title of the “pharmacy of the world.”
  • The country produces 60% of the global vaccine supply and meets 40–70% of the WHO's demand for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DPT) vaccines.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serum Institute of India emerged as the world’s largest vaccine producer.

Challenges and Suggested Measures to Boost Biotechnology Sector:

Conclusion

Despite regulatory hurdles and funding gaps, India’s biotechnology sector is primed for continued growth. Ongoing reforms in IPR, research funding, and collaboration between public and private sectors are in line with a SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), ensuring sustainable, and inclusive growth.