Make in India Fuels Easy Biotech Growth
NEW DELHI — The "Make in India" initiative is driving big investments into biotechnology and food processing, announced on March 10, 2025, in New Delhi. The government revealed plans to pour 15,000 crore rupees into these sectors this year. It’s all about making India a global hub for innovation and tasty, healthy food.
Why This Matters Now
The “Make in India” push started in 2014. It wants India to make more stuff at home and create jobs. Biotech and food processing are hot targets because they mix science with everyday needs. India’s biotech market hit 137 billion rupees last year, says the Department of Biotechnology. Food processing, meanwhile, feeds millions and employs over 13% of India’s workers.
This year’s budget adds fuel. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised 10,000 crore rupees for biotech research and 5,000 crore rupees for food tech in February 2025. Why? To grow exports and cut import costs. India already sends out 23% of its processed food, like mango puree and spices, to places like the U.S. and Europe. Biotech could unlock new drugs and green farming tricks, too.
Big companies are jumping in. Reliance Industries pledged 2,500 crore rupees for biotech labs in Gujarat. Amul, the dairy giant, is spending 1,000 crore rupees to boost milk processing in Uttar Pradesh. These moves tie into “Make in India” goals—more jobs, better tech, and stronger supply chains right here at home.
Biotech Gets a Boost
Biotech is taking off fast. The government’s BioE3 policy—short for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment—guides the way. It pushes for green solutions like biofuels and lab-grown proteins. Over 6,500 biotech startups popped up since 2014, thanks to “Make in India” tax breaks and easy rules. Now, firms like Biocon are testing new vaccines in Bengaluru.
Foreign cash is flowing, too. U.S.-based Moderna opened a research hub in Hyderabad with a 1,200 crore rupees investment last month. It’s part of a 69% jump in foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing since 2014—totaling 165 billion rupees, per government stats. “Make in India” makes it simple for outsiders to set up shop, and biotech is cashing in.
“The initiative opens doors,” said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon’s founder. “It’s bringing global players to India while growing our own talent.” She’s right—India’s biotech exports grew 20% last year to 24 billion rupees. The focus now? Affordable drugs and eco-friendly farming tools, all made in India.
Food Processing Heats Up
Food processing is another winner. India’s got tons of farms—over 50% of its land grows crops like rice and wheat. But only 10% of that gets processed, says the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. “Make in India” wants to change that. New plants are popping up to turn raw goods into packaged snacks, juices, and meals.
Take ITC, for example. It’s investing 800 crore rupees in a new factory in Madhya Pradesh for biscuits and noodles. The goal is to double its rural reach by 2027. Small farmers win, too—schemes like One-District-One-Product (ODOP) link them to big buyers. In Tamil Nadu, ODOP turned local bananas into chips for export, adding 50 crore rupees to farmers’ pockets last year.
The push isn’t just about money. It’s about jobs. Food processing already hires 1.9 million people directly, plus millions more on farms. With “Make in India” cash, that could grow 15% by 2030, predicts FICCI. Cold storage and fast shipping—backed by 3,000 crore rupees in logistics aid—keep food fresh and costs low.
Challenges and Big Dreams
It’s not all easy. Biotech needs skilled workers—India trains just 10,000 bio-engineers a year, far short of demand. Food processing faces power cuts and old gear in rural spots. The government’s fixing this with skill programs and 5,000 crore rupees for solar power in factories. Still, red tape can slow things down.
Even so, the future looks bright. “Make in India” has already drawn 667 billion rupees in FDI from 2014 to 2024, says the Commerce Ministry. Biotech could hit 300 billion rupees by 2030 if investments keep rolling. Food processing might climb to 50% of farm output, cutting waste and boosting exports to 100 billion rupees yearly.
What’s Next for India
This is just the start. The government wants 25% of GDP from manufacturing by 2030—up from 17% now. Biotech and food are key pieces. Next steps? More tax cuts, faster permits, and tech hubs in cities like Pune and Chennai. States like Gujarat and Punjab are pitching in with land and power deals for factories.
For everyday folks, it means more jobs and cheaper goods. For the world, it’s a chance to buy India-made biotech kits and snacks. If it works, “Make in India” could make India a top player—not just in Asia, but everywhere. The seeds are planted; now it’s time to grow.