Bio-RIDE Scheme Approved by Government for Biotechnology Sector | UPSC Notes

Biotechnology in India has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, making significant contributions to various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and industry. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved one scheme named Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE). The Bio-Ride Scheme in India is launched by the Ministry of Biotechnology, Government of India is aimed at promoting the use of biotechnology for sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing rural livelihoods. 

About Bio-RIDE Scheme 

The aim of the newly approved scheme is to accelerate research, enhance product development and also address the gap between academic research and industrial applications. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the position of India as a global leader in biomanufacturing and biotechnology. The ambitious schemes and initiatives of the Government of India such as Make India aims to create a US$300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. 

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Components of the Bio-RIDE Scheme

These are the following components of Bio-RIDE scheme:

• Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D): It focuses on multiple parameters such as Human resource development, creation of bioinformatics and biotech facilities and establishment of Centres of Excellence. 
• Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED): It focuses on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programmes and development of bio-clusters and biotech parks.
• Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: This is aligned with the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative. The aim is to promote circular bioeconomy through sustainable biomanufacturing. The key areas under this programme are finding indigenous biomanufacturing solutions, creating innovative solutions for healthcare, agriculture productivity, bioeconomy growth and enhancing skill development and entrepreneurial momentum. 

Funding, Duration & Implementation of Bio-RIDE Scheme

These are the following funding mechanism for Bio-RIDE scheme:

• Around ₹ 9,197 crore has been earmarked for it during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26). 
• Promotion of Bio-Entrepreneurship 
• Grants and incentives for Research & Development in synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics. 
• Creating synergies so that commercialization of bio-based products can be accelerated. 
• Sustainable Biomanufacturing is to be encouraged in a phase wise manner.
• Nurturing and creating Human Resource in Biotechnology sector

Key Sectors of Biotechnology

These are the following key sectors of Biotechnology:

• Agricultural Biotechnology: In terms of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, India is a leader in cultivating Bt cotton. India has made significant progress in improving pest resistance and increasing yields. Research is also underway for other crops like Bt brinjal and GM mustard.
• Biofortification: It is an initiative that aims to enhance nutritional content in staple crops, addressing different kinds of deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as iron-fortified rice.
• Healthcare Biotechnology: India is a global hub in terms of volume and types of vaccine production. It is called the pharmacy of the world. Due to Indian pharmaceutical industries and their innovations, many countries in the world have got access to affordable immunizations for diseases like polio, measles, and COVID-19.
• Biopharmaceuticals: In order to make treatment more accessible, the production of biosimilars (like insulin and monoclonal antibodies) is expanding. It is helping in making various kinds of treatments more accessible.
• Industrial Biotechnology: Under it sustainable practices are promoted such as the use of microorganisms for producing biofuels, biodegradable plastics and chemicals is gaining traction.
• Fermentation Technology: Under this technology, products like enzymes, organic acids, and alcohol are employed.

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