Content

1. BioE3 Policy
2. New GST rates will prove to be a boon for farmers

BioE3 Policy

Why in News

• On 6 September 2025, ICGEB New Delhi commemorated the first anniversary of the BioE3 Policy through the event BioE3@1.
• Theme: “Institute–Industry Interaction for Climate Resilient Agriculture and Clean Energy.”
• Objective: Accelerate lab-to-market translation of biotech innovations in agriculture, clean energy, and allied sectors.

Relevance : GS-3 (Science & Technology – biotechnology, bioeconomy, microbial biomanufacturing, bio-AI hubs, space-based biotech experiments), GS-3 (Economy – entrepreneurship, startups, commercialization, innovation-driven employment), GS-3 (Environment – climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy, sustainable practices, Net Zero 2070)

BioE3 Policy

• Full Form: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment.
• Approval: By Union Cabinet in August 2024.
• Purpose:
  • Augment R&D and entrepreneurship in 6 thematic sectors.
  • Accelerate technology development and commercialization via Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and the Biofoundry.
  • Promote industrialization of biology for sustainable and circular practices.
  • Address critical societal challenges: climate change mitigation, food security, human health.
• Core Objectives:
  • Strengthen India’s bioeconomy.
  • Support climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy, and biomanufacturing.
  • Generate employment through innovation-driven biotech industries.
  • Contribute to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Biofoundry & Technological Initiatives

• Biofoundry at ICGEB, New Delhi:
  • Focus: Microbial biomanufacturing using bacteria and yeast platforms.
  • Production capacity: up to 20 L scale, targeting higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for industry transfer.
  • Operates on DBTL model – Design, Build, Test, Learn:
    • Design: AI, bioinformatics, pathway analysis, host selection.
    • Build: DNA assembly, organism transformation.
    • Test: Screening, product analysis, pathway optimization.
    • Learn: Machine learning-based outcome optimization.
  • Applications: Food, agriculture, chemicals, drugs, energy sectors.
  • Promotes: Innovation, startups, entrepreneurship, education, training, collaborations.
• Space-based Biotechnology Experiments:
  • Microalgae: Chlorella sorokiniana-I, Parachlorella kessleri-I, Dysmorphococcus globosus-HI studied on ISS for microgravity, CO₂, O₂ impact.
  • Cyanobacteria: Spirulina (Indian isolate) and Synechococcus strains tested for C and N recycling under microgravity.
  • Applications:
    • Earth: Value-added industrial products.
    • Space: CO₂ capture, nutrient production, life support for astronauts.

BioE3 Policy Significance

• Policy-Industry Synergy:
  • Strengthens industry-academia collaboration for commercialization of research.
  • Event highlighted lab-to-market pathways in agri-biotech, clean energy, and microbial biomanufacturing.
• Technological Impact:
  • Supports climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, and bio-based products.
  • Biofoundry catalyzes microbial synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and biomanufacturing innovations.
  • Space-based biotech experiments expand India’s strategic biotech capabilities for future missions.
• Strategic & Economic Importance:
  • Positions India as a global leader in bioeconomy and biomanufacturing.
  • Aligns with sustainable development goals and national Net Zero 2070 commitment.
  • Facilitates inclusive growth via innovation, entrepreneurship, startups, and education.
• Long-term Vision:
  • BioE3 Policy represents a transformative framework anchoring biotechnology in economy, environment, and employment.
  • Drives resilient, innovation-led growth, addressing societal and global sustainability challenges.

New GST rates will prove to be a boon for farmers

• Focus: Reduce the cost of agricultural inputs and equipment, boost farm income, and promote organic, bio-based, and integrated farming practices.

Relevance : GS-3 (Economy – GST reforms, reduced input costs, value addition, rural economy, GDP growth), GS-3 (Agriculture – organic, bio-based, integrated farming, modern equipment, efficient irrigation, allied sectors)

Key Details

• GST Reforms in Agriculture & Allied Sectors:
  • GST on agricultural equipment reduced from 18% to 5% (tractors, harvesters, rotavators, power tillers, seed drills, planters, etc.).
  • Bio-pesticides and micro-nutrients: GST reduced to encourage natural and organic farming.
  • Dairy sector: No GST on milk, cheese, butter, ghee, and milk containers, benefiting farmers and milk producers.
  • Fertilizers (raw materials like ammonia, sulphuric acid, nitric acid): GST reduced from 18% to 5%, lowering fertilizer costs.
  • Processed fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, preserved fish, natural honey: GST reduction to boost value addition and income of farmers.
  • Energy-based agricultural equipment and drip irrigation: GST reduced to 5%, encouraging efficient and sustainable farming.
  • Cement and iron for rural infrastructure: GST reduction supports Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and rural development projects.
• Financial Impact on Farmers:
  • Example savings on tractors:
    • 35 HP: ₹41,000 saved
    • 45 HP: ₹45,000 saved
    • 50 HP: ₹53,000 saved
    • 75 HP: ₹63,000 saved
  • Savings extend to power tillers, planters, harvesters, and seed/fertilizer drills.
  • Lowered GST reduces overall cost of production, increasing farmer profits.
• Integrated Farming and Rural Benefits:
  • Encourages allied sectors like animal husbandry, fish farming, beekeeping, agro-forestry, poultry, and sheep-goat rearing.
  • Boosts women-led SHGs, handicrafts, dairy, and small-scale rural enterprises (“Lakhpati Didi” initiative).

Significance

• Economic Benefits:
  • Reduced GST lowers input costs and enhances farmers’ net income.
  • Increased demand for equipment, organic inputs, and processed farm products will strengthen rural economy and overall GDP.
• Agricultural Transformation:
  • Promotes natural, organic, and integrated farming, reducing dependency on chemical inputs.
  • Encourages modern farming techniques, efficient irrigation, and renewable energy adoption in agriculture.
• Rural Development and Infrastructure:
  • GST reduction on cement and iron lowers construction costs for rural houses, schools, Panchayat Bhawans, Anganwadis, supporting infrastructure development.
• Sectoral Boost:
  • Dairy, fisheries, and processed agricultural products will see higher production and market competitiveness.
  • Allied rural sectors gain direct benefits from lower GST, promoting inclusive rural growth.
• Strategic Policy Impact:
  • Supports Prime Minister’s vision of next-generation GST reforms.
  • Facilitates integrated farming systems, linking crop production with livestock, fisheries, and agro-processing.
  • Strengthens self-reliance and sustainability in the agricultural sector.