Gandhinagar: Gujarat is steadily advancing toward becoming India’s leading centre for biotechnology and bio-manufacturing by 2030, stated a report by Gujarat Rajya Institution for Transformation (GRIT). This push is backed by a strategy focused on building skilled talent, specialised education and industry-oriented capabilities, govt said on Sunday.The report, titled ‘Gujarat Bio-Economy 2030: Strategic Skill Architecture and Workforce Development’, notes that India’s bio-economy expanded from about $10 billion (Rs 94,360 crore approx) in 2014 to more than $150 billion (Rs 14 lakh crore approx) in 2024.“Gujarat is poised to become one of the country’s foremost states in the bio-economy space in the coming years. The state already accounts for around 40% of India’s total pharmaceutical production and is also one of the country’s major chemical manufacturing centres,” an official statement said. Govt said that bio-pharma, with a share of 35%; the bio-industrial segment, with a 47% share; and bio-agriculture, with an 8% share, are driving growth in this sector.The statement said the Gujarat State Biotechnology Policy 2022-27 signals the state’s intent to convert its industrial strength into bio-economy leadership. “Gujarat’s ambition goes beyond manufacturing generic drugs; it seeks to become a front-runner in the development of innovative biologics,” the GRIT report said.A study of 23 institutions in Gujarat offering biotechnology and related programmes highlights the strength of the state’s educational base and its significant potential, the report said. It also points out the scope of making academic programmes more aligned with emerging industry trends and preparing a future-ready workforce equipped for the evolving needs of biotechnology.
