Context:

Recently, The Union Cabinet, approved the BioE3 policy for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment. 

Key Highlights of the policy

• The Bio E3 policy aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing.
• The policy is designed to supplement, rather than replace traditional supply methods with biotechnological solutions to meet the demands of a developed India by 2047.
• This policy aims to introduce more sophisticated recycling processes, smarter materials, and biomanufacturing techniques to reimagine the future and address challenges in food, climate, energy, chemicals, and health.
• This policy will further strengthen the Government’s initiatives such as a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting a ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.

The BioE3 Policy would broadly focus on the following strategic/thematic sectors: 

• High-value bio-based chemicals 
• Biopolymers & enzymes 
• Smart proteins & functional foods 
• Precision biotherapeutics 
• Climate resilient agriculture 
• Carbon capture & its utilization 
• Marine and space research.

The policy outlines three implementation strategies:

• Discovery and integrated research networks
• Bridging existing gaps     
• establishing bio-enabler hubs.

Significance of the policy

• It adopts new technologies to drive GDP growth, create new employment opportunities, and benefit the environment.
• It will accelerate technological development and commercialization by establishing biomanufacturing facilities, bio-AI hubs, and biofoundries.
• The policy envisions a future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges like climate change, unsustainable material consumption, and waste generation.