Chandigarh, Feb 27 (KNN) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, conducted an inspection of the Microbe Repository and other facilities at the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH) while receiving updates on the institute’s ongoing projects.
During his review, Dr. Singh emphasised the critical role of microbial technology as a foundation of biotechnology, noting its increasing importance in driving the next generation of industrial innovation.
The Minister highlighted India’s remarkable growth in the biotechnology sector, reporting that the nation’s bioeconomy has expanded dramatically from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 130 billion in 2024, with projections indicating it will reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
He also referenced the recent development of Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic designed to combat resistant infections.
Dr. Singh noted the exponential growth in India’s biotech startup ecosystem, which has expanded from approximately 50 companies in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today, establishing India as a global center for biotechnology innovation.
He further stated that India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and twelfth globally in bio-manufacturing, underscoring CSIR-IMTECH’s vital role in advancing pioneering research across multiple disciplines including microbial genetics, infectious diseases, fermentation technology, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics.
As a premier research institution in microbial biotechnology, CSIR-IMTECH maintains a repository of more than 14,000 microbial strains through its Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC).
This national resource provides authenticated cultures to researchers and industries while supporting key regulatory authorities such as IPC, BIS, and NBA in addressing microbe-related concerns.
The institute leads efforts to harness microbial resources for scientific and industrial applications, addressing critical needs in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
The Minister also connected virtually with CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur, where he inaugurated several new facilities and participated in scientific discussions.
His virtual attendance included the EMBO Workshop on High Elevation Plant Adaptation in a Changing Climate (HEPACC) and the Industry, Farmer & Academia (IFA) Meet, which he described as reflective of the government’s commitment to scientific advancement, economic empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Singh praised CSIR-IHBT for leading several national missions, including the CSIR Floriculture Mission, which has expanded floriculture to 1,000 hectares across five states, benefiting 3,800 farmers and generating income of Rs 80 crore.
Other initiatives include the Aroma Mission, Millet Mission, Immunity Mission, Waste to Wealth Mission, Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase, and CSIR Precision Agriculture Mission.
(KNN Bureau)
