A pioneering initiative set to drive agricultural productivity and sustainability across India ushered with the inauguration of the BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-manufacturing Institute (NABI) by Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. This advanced institute is the product of a strategic merger between the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and the Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), both of which are autonomous institutes under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). BRIC-NABI aims to leverage cutting-edge biotechnological and bioprocessing expertise to address key challenges in agriculture, from increasing crop yields to enhancing disease resistance and nutritional value.
This newly established BRIC-NABI institute will leverage the combined expertise of the two centers to focus on advanced agricultural innovations, including genetically modified crops with higher yields, disease resistance, and improved nutritional value. Addressing the audience, Minister Singh emphasized that the institute will enhance collaboration between biotechnology and bioprocessing experts, positioning India as a leader in sustainable agricultural innovation.
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Minister Singh noted that the inauguration comes at a critical time, coinciding with the introduction of India’s ‘BioE3 Policy‘ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment), aimed at bolstering science and technology initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “India is one of the few countries with a dedicated policy for biotechnology, which will drive eco-friendly solutions and significant value addition to the economy,” Singh remarked.
In addition to supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative and promoting environmental stewardship, BRIC-NABI aligns closely with the government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income by creating value-added products from agricultural waste and opening new revenue streams. Minister Singh also inaugurated the BIRAC BioNEST BRIC-NABI Incubation Centre to connect innovations with industry partners and facilitate large-scale adoption and commercialization.
With BRIC-NABI’s focus on sustainable agriculture and economic value, the institute aims to capitalize on India’s rich natural resources and innovative research to bring cutting-edge solutions to the global stage.