In a significant move towards positioning India as a global leader in the economy and a champion for a greener planet, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the country’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Jejuri, Pune, from New Delhi on October 13, 2024. Built by Praj Industries, this pioneering facility aims to develop indigenously integrated technology for producing Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic, marking a crucial step in India’s commitment to sustainable solutions.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that this facility represents a transformative shift from fossil-based plastics to eco-friendly alternatives, which is vital for tackling the global plastic pollution crisis. He highlighted the facility’s role in showcasing how advancements in bioplastics can foster economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability.

The Minister also noted the impressive growth of India’s bioeconomy, which exceeded $150 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. This growth is a result of the Indian government’s focus on “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) and the emphasis on green initiatives outlined in the Union Budget for 2023-2024.

Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and promoting the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stressed the importance of sustainable practices in biotechnology and the recent approval of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy, aimed at addressing climate change and unsustainable waste generation.

The Minister highlighted India’s achievements in the biotechnology sector, stating that the country now ranks 12th globally in biotech and is the third-largest startup ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. The number of biotech startups has surged from about 50 in 2014 to over 8,500 in 2023, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector.

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by calling for collaboration between industry, academia, and government to drive innovation and research, positioning India at the forefront of the global bioplastics movement and underscoring its potential as a leader in the biotechnology field. He expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of “Amrit Kaal” over the next 25 years in advancing biotechnology and sustainability in India.