Lok Sabha Question No. 2568 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Scientific Landscape
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2568

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## SCIENTIFIC LANDSCAPE

2568.  SMT. KAMALJEET SEHRAWAT:

SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ͪव£ान और Ĥौɮयोͬगकȧ मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  role  of  biotechnology  in  transforming  India's  scientific  landscape; and
- (b) the impact of scientific advancements on general public particularly in areas such as healthcare and agriculture?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY & EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

ͪव£ान और Ĥौɮयोͬगकȧ तथा पृØ  वी ͪव£ान मंğालय क े  राÏ य मंğी (è वतंğ Ĥभार)

(डॉ. िजतɅġ ͧसंह)

- a)      Biotechnology  has  played  a  transformative  role  in  reshaping  India's scientific  and  technological  landscape,  contributing  to  advancements  in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental sustainability. Biotechnology is integral to India's journey toward becoming a knowledgedriven  economy.  By  addressing  societal  challenges  through  innovation, biotechnology  is  helping  to  shape  a  sustainable  and  inclusive  future. Following  are key  highlights of the biotechnology  impact  in India's
2. scientific landscape:

Advancements in Healthcare: India has emerged as a global hub for vaccine production and generic drugs. Biotechnological innovations enabled the development of affordable vaccines. Initiatives like

GenomeIndia to construct a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations genetic diseases,  paving  the  way  for  precision  medicine.  Biotech  startups  have developed rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tools, such as RT-PCR kits for India's population have enhanced our understanding of for COVID-19, improving healthcare delivery.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: The introduction of Bt cotton significantly  boosted  India's  agricultural  productivity  by  enhancing  pest resistance.  Biofertilizers  and  Biopesticides  technologies  have  promoted sustainable farming practices through eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers  and  pesticides.  Techniques  like  tissue  culture  and  markerassisted selection are being used to develop high-yield, drought-resistant, and disease-resistant crop varieties.

Environmental Sustainability: Biotechnology has enabled the cleanup of pollutants using microorganisms to restore contaminated environments. Conversion of organic waste into compost or energy is gaining momentum in India. India's push towards renewable energy includes advancements in biofuels, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Startups  and  Innovation:    India's  biotech  ecosystem  has  flourished with the  emergence of startups supported by Government initiatives like Make  in  India,  and  Biotechnology  Industry  Research  Assistance  Council (BIRAC)  supported  Public-private  partnerships  programs.  Various  funding opportunities  have  propelled  biotech  research,  bringing  India  closer  to becoming a global biotech hub.

- b) Scientific  advancements  have  significantly  improved  the  quality  of life  for  the  general  public,  particularly  in  areas  such  as  healthcare  and agriculture.  These  fields  have  seen  transformative  changes  that  have enhanced accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. Scientific advancements in healthcare and agriculture have had a profound positive impact on society, addressing critical issues like food security and health equity.

In  healthcare  sector,  improved  disease  diagnosis  and  treatment, vaccine development, production of generic drugs etc.  has made essential medicines more affordable. Public health campaigns backed by scientific research,  such  as  sanitation  drives  (e.g.,  Swachh  Bharat  mission)  and vaccination programs, have reduced disease burden. Advances in neonatal care, fertility treatments, and maternal health monitoring have significantly reduced infant and maternal mortality rates.

In  agriculture  sector,  the  Green  Revolution  introduced  high-yielding crop varieties, significantly boosting food production. Crops like Bt cotton have  improved  pest  resistance  and  reduced  dependence  on  chemical pesticides.  Drought-resistant  and  flood-tolerant  crops  developed  through biotechnology  help  farmers  cope  with  climate  change.  Biofertilizers  and biopesticides promote eco-friendly farming, reducing soil and water pollution. Organic farming techniques, supported by scientific advancements, cater to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food. Scientific interventions like crop insurance, mobile apps for weather forecasting, and digital platforms for selling produce ensure better income and reduced risk for farmers. Advances in cold storage, food processing, and  preservation  technologies  have  minimized  waste  and  extended  the shelf life of agricultural produce.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) continues to drive transformative  initiatives,  through  support  to  biotechnology  research  & development programs, research resources, scientific  infrastructure,  and human  resource & skill development  programs. DBTBiotechnology Research  Innovation  Council  (BRIC)  institutions  focus  on  cutting-edge research and innovation by advancing programs in healthcare, agriculture, and  environmental  biotechnology.    These  efforts  are  fostering  a  robust ecosystem  for  biotechnological  innovation,  effectively  bridging  the  gap between  scientific  research  and  societal  benefits,  and  ensuring  that advancements in biotechnology contribute to India's inclusive and sustainable development.

Overall, scientific advancements have made broader impacts for the general  public in the  form  of  improved  nutrition,  economic  growth, enhanced quality of life, empowerment through technology.

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