Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, reviewed the Microbe Repository and other facilities at the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH) in Chandigarh. He also received updates on the institute’s ongoing projects.
During the review, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the vital role of microbial technology in biotechnology, highlighting its increasing importance in driving the next industrial revolution.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the transformative New BioE3 Policy, which prioritizes biomanufacturing and bio foundries. Dr. Singh also underscored India’s remarkable advancements in the biotech sector, noting that the country’s bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024, with an ambitious target of reaching $300 billion by 2030.
The Minister also highlighted the recent launch of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, developed to combat drug-resistant infections. He noted the remarkable growth of biotech startups in India, which have expanded from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today, solidifying the country’s status as a global leader in biotech innovation. Additionally, he pointed out that India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally in bio-manufacturing, underscoring CSIR-IMTECH’s critical role in pioneering research in microbial genetics, infectious diseases, fermentation technology, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics.
CSIR-IMTECH, a premier institute specializing in microbial biotechnology, houses a repository of over 14,000 microbial strains through its Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC). This national repository not only supplies authenticated microbial cultures to researchers and industries but also supports key regulatory authorities such as IPC, BIS, and NBA in microbial research and applications. The institute plays a pivotal role in leveraging microbial resources for advancements in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Virtually connecting with the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) in Palampur, Dr. Singh inaugurated several new facilities and engaged in key scientific discussions. He participated in the EMBO Workshop on High Elevation Plant Adaptation in a Changing Climate (HEPACC) and the Industry, Farmer & Academia (IFA) Meet, reaffirming the Indian government’s commitment to scientific progress, economic empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Singh also virtually inaugurated a New Tulip Garden in Palampur, praising the CSIR-IHBT team for their scientific interventions that have enabled tulip cultivation beyond traditional seasons, a model that can be replicated in other regions. Additionally, he launched products developed by agri-startups supported by the institute, fostering agricultural innovation.
Recognizing CSIR-IHBT’s leadership in national missions, he commended their achievements, including:
- CSIR Floriculture Mission – Expanded floriculture to 1,000 hectares, benefiting 3,800 farmers across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, generating an income of ₹80 crore.
- Aroma Mission
- Millet Mission
- Immunity Mission
- Waste to Wealth Mission
- Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase
- CSIR Precision Agriculture Mission
The Minister also inaugurated advanced facilities, including the Autonomous Greenhouse, Heeng Seed Production Centre, Heeng QPM Facility, Ornamental Bulb Processing Facility, and Phyto-Analytical Facility. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the Phyto-Factory Facility and dedicated a Cement Concrete Road from Floriculture Junction to Chandpur R&D Farm.
Dr. Singh emphasized that by integrating scientific research, industry collaborations, and government policies, the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan states can be harnessed for economic growth, benefiting farmers and enhancing India’s scientific ecosystem.