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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-09-02 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Government Policies ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-09-02 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Government Policies ///

News · GS Paper 3

India's First Green Forge Complex: A Bioeconomy Milestone

India inaugurated its first Green Forge Complex at BRIC-NABI in Mohali during the National Conclave on BioE3 2026, marking a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology. The facility features advanced simulation chambers for GM crop research, supporting India's bioeconomy surge from $10 billion in 2014 to approximately $200 billion. This initiative aligns with the BioE3 policy framework, aiming for a low-carbon circular bioeconomy and Net Zero by 2070.

2026-09-02

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Overview

India's first Green Forge Complex was inaugurated at the National Agri-food & Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI) in Mohali during the National Conclave on BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment), 2026. This facility represents a major leap in agricultural biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) crop research.

Key Facts

About the Green Forge Facility

Location: BRIC-NABI, Mohali (Autonomous Institute under Department of Biotechnology)
Features: Advanced simulation chambers with precise regulation of:
Light
Humidity
Temperature
Purpose: Cultivate and experiment with GM crops under controlled conditions before field deployment

Technological Integration

Convergence of biotechnology with:
Advanced simulation technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Accelerates research in agricultural and medical sciences

India's Bioeconomy Growth

2014: USD 10 billion
Current: Approximately USD 200 billion
Growth drivers: Private sector engagement and enabling policy environment

BioE3 Policy Framework (2024)

The BioE3 policy focuses on industry-ready manufacturing and translating research into products:

22 biomanufacturing hubs being developed
National Bio-Foundry Network comprising 8 specialized facilities
Supporting start-ups, SMEs, and research translation
38 Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) projects supported by DBT
Targeting emissions from hard-to-abate sectors (cement, steel)

Emerging Biotechnology Frontiers

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
I3 PhD programme
Space Biotechnology
Collaborations with ISRO
Myogenesis experiments
Cyanobacteria growth experiments in space

Waste-to-Wealth Initiative

BRIC-NABI integrates:

Agri-biotechnology with bioprocess engineering
Conversion of agricultural waste into:
High-value nutraceuticals
Biomaterials

Strategic Alignment

The Green Forge initiative aligns with:

Net Zero by 2070 target
Atmanirbhar Bharat mission
Low-carbon, circular bioeconomy transformation

Key Terms

BioE3: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment
BRIC-NABI: National Agri-food & Biomanufacturing Institute
Nutraceuticals: Products derived from food sources providing extra health benefits besides basic nutrition
CCU: Carbon Capture and Utilisation