India’s Bioeconomy – Sectors, Highlights & Companies

Bioeconomy

INTRODUCTION

The bioeconomy represents a sustainable and innovative framework that utilizes biological resources, knowledge, and technologies to address critical global challenges and drive economic growth. It integrates advancements in biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, environmental conservation, and many industrial processes to create value while minimizing environmental impact. 

By leveraging renewable biological resources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, the bioeconomy fosters sustainable development, enhances resource efficiency, and supports climate change mitigation. Current advancements include breakthroughs in genetic engineering, precision agriculture, biopharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials, which are already transforming industries and improving quality of life. 

At the same time, efforts in biodiversity conservation and bioremediation are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and restoring degraded environments. As innovation accelerates, the bioeconomy holds immense potential for reshaping traditional sectors, creating new markets, and promoting a circular economy. With strategic investments in research, infrastructure, and policy frameworks, it offers a pathway to a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon future.

COMPONENTS OF BIOECONOMY 

COMPONENT KEY PRODUCTS 
Food & nutraceuticalsAlternative smart proteins, Functional foods, Biotech enhanced food, Immune-boosting, Dietary supplements
Efficient & sustainable agricultureRegenerative agriculture, Crop specific stability, Enriched soil microbiomes, Enhanced resource efficiency, Resilience to climate change, Genetically engineered microbial, Biostimulants, Bioherbicides
Health & medicineTherapeutics, Biopharmaceuticals, Regenerative medicine, Biomaterials for production of medical equipment, Vaccine and immunotherapy, Enzyme replacement therapies, Antibodies, Cosmeceuticals
BioenergyBiomass-derived fuels, Biochar, By-products from biofuel production (glycerin, lignin), Hydrogen from biomass, Biomass power, Biomass for heating  
BioremediationAir pollution control, Mining and resources recovery, Phytoremediation, Soil and land restoration, Ocean and marine ecosystem restoration, Degraded pollutants, Detoxification of Industrial Waste, Ecosystem restoration, Engineered wetlands
BiomaterialsBioplastics, Biofibers, Bio-based materials for medical and healthcare products, Bio-based packaging materials, Biodegradable coatings, Bio-based water treatment products
Marine bioeconomyMarine biofuels, Marine nutraceuticals, Marine-based pharmaceuticals, Sustainable aquaculture products, Blue carbon, Marine ecosystem restoration
BiochemicalsBiobased commodity chemicals, Biobased specialty chemicals, Bio based adhesives and sealants, Organic acids (Lactic Acid, Citric Acid), Biobased surfactants, Bio-based solvents, Bio-based lubricants, Natural cosmetics 
Biodiversity solutionsSustainable forestry practices, Ecosystem restoration, Pollinator habitat protection, Wildlife corridors, Biodiversity-based ecotourism

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The bioeconomy encompasses a diverse range of innovations driving sustainable solutions across various sectors. In food and nutraceuticals, alternative smart proteins, functional foods, and immune-boosting supplements are revolutionizing health-conscious diets.
  • The Indian food and nutraceutical market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising health consciousness, advancements in biotechnology, and a blend of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science.
  • The agriculture sector is advancing with regenerative practices, genetically engineered microbes, and biostimulants enhancing sustainability and resilience.
  • Health and medicine are being transformed by biopharmaceuticals, regenerative therapies, and innovative biomaterials for medical equipment.
  • Bioenergy innovations include biomass-derived fuels and hydrogen, while bioremediation focuses on restoring ecosystems and detoxifying pollutants. 
  • Biomaterials such as bioplastics and biofibers are reshaping industries, alongside a marine bioeconomy emphasizing sustainable aquaculture and marine-based pharmaceuticals.
  • India’s biochemical sector is rapidly expanding, driven by sustainability goals and government support. The market for bio-based chemicals, including lactic acid, succinic acid, and bioethanol, is bolstered by initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the National Biofuels Policy. 
  • India’s marine bioeconomy is expanding through innovations in marine biofuels, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, leveraging the vast potential of algae, seaweed, and marine biodiversity.
  • India is leveraging bioremediation technologies to tackle environmental challenges, with initiatives like the Namami Gange Program using microbial solutions for wastewater treatment and ecosystem revival.
  • India’s recent BioE3 Policy also promotes biotech-driven solutions for pollution control and climate resilience, while microbial techniques restore degraded mining lands by stabilizing heavy metals.
  • India’s biodiversity solutions are advancing through key initiatives such as the National Mission for a Green India, which aims to enhance forest cover by 5 million hectares by 2030.

Comprehensive Analysis of Each Bioeconomy Components

COMPONENT 1: FOOD AND NUTRACEUTICALS

  • Alternative smart proteins 
  • Functional foods
  • Biotech enhanced food 
  • Immune-boosting
  • Dietary supplements

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • The Indian nutraceutical market is rapidly expanding, projected to grow from $4 billion in 2020 to $18 billion by 2025. Factors such as increased health awareness post-COVID-19 and advancements in personalized nutrition are driving this growth.
  • The Indian nutraceutical market, including both functional foods and nutraceuticals derived from natural sources, is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20%, reaching $18 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for health products, particularly those that are natural and sustainable.
  • The Indian government’s BioE3 policy promotes high-performance biomanufacturing, focusing on areas like smart proteins, functional foods, and precision biotherapeutics, encouraging innovation and job creation.
  • Integration of Ayurveda with modern nutraceutical science is gaining traction. Ingredients like turmeric (curcumin), ashwagandha, and amla are increasingly featured in global markets, backed by scientific studies validating their health benefits.
  • By 2030, the Indian nutraceutical industry is poised to be a significant contributor to the bioeconomy, with its value anticipated to exceed $25 billion. This growth is driven by advancements in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Alternative Smart Protein

  • Urban Platter – Provides plant-based protein options.
  • GoodDot – Offers plant-based protein products as alternatives to meat.
  • Blue Tribe Foods – Offers plant-based alternatives to traditional meats
  • Shaka Harry – Provides a range of plant-based protein products
  • GFI India – Produce advanced alternative proteins to help meet climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

Functional Foods

  • Patanjali Ayurved – Produces functional food products with health benefits.
  • Amway – Offers nutritional products designed to support overall health.
  • True Elements – Offers fiber-rich, antioxidant-packed foods for health benefits

Biotech Enhanced Food

  • Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd.: Focused on food processing solutions like dietary and functional food enzymes to enhance food quality.
  • Manna Foods – Produces food products enhanced with bioactive ingredients for better health.
  • Lumis Biotech Pvt. Ltd. – Engages in developing biotechnological products, focusing on enzymes for food.

Immune-Boosting

  • Dabur – Known for chyawanprash, honey, and other herbal immunity products.
  • The Himalaya Drug Company – Focuses on herbal and health-oriented products.
  • Patanjali Ayurved – Provides health foods and supplements with medicinal properties

Dietary Supplements

COMPONENT-2: EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 

  • Regenerative agriculture 
  • Crop specific stability 
  • Enriched soil microbiomes
  • Enhanced resource efficiency
  • Resilience to climate change
  • Genetically engineered microbial
  • Biostimulants
  • Bioherbicides

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Over one crore farmers are being encouraged to adopt natural farming practices. This program emphasizes chemical-free agriculture and sustainable production methods.
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), this Emphasizes “more crop per drop” by improving irrigation infrastructure and enabling farmers to access water resources. This initiative covers irrigation canals, check dams, and water harvesting structures.
  • The government supports research institutions like ICAR to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties, directly benefiting farmers through better seed availability.
  • Research institutions are engineering microbial strains to provide enhanced nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and pest resistance. Initiatives under DBT (Department of Biotechnology) and ICAR aim to deploy GEMs responsibly while ensuring biosafety standards​.
  • Research on climate-resilient varieties under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) program focuses on drought, flood, and salinity-tolerant crops. Efforts include the creation of heat-tolerant wheat and drought-resilient rice​.

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Regenerative Agriculture

  • Resurgent Agric: Specializes in sustainable coffee production through regenerative techniques
  • Organic India: Implements regenerative practices like composting and agroforestry

Crop-Specific Stability

  • Mahyco – Works on crop stability through genetic modifications.
  • SeedWorks – Offers hybrid seeds for better stability.
  • BASF India – Provides crop protection solutions.

Enriched Soil Microbiomes

  • IARI – Focuses on research into soil microbiomes and their impact on agricultural productivity.
  • AgroStar – Provides soil health products, enhancing microbiomes for better crop yields.

Enhanced Resource Efficiency

  • Mahindra Agribusiness – Promotes water and energy-efficient farming.
  • Tata Chemicals – Develops technologies to improve resource efficiency in agriculture and manufacturing.
  • Godrej Agrovet – Focuses on efficient resource use in animal feed and agriculture.

Resilience to Climate Change

  • Syngenta India – Seeds and crop protection for climate resilience.
  • AgroStar – Provides tools for climate change management in farming.

Genetically Engineered Microbial

  • Bioseed: Focuses on GM traits for rice and other crops
  • Mahyco – Works on crop traits  through genetic modifications.

Biostimulants

Bioherbicides

  • BASF India – Produces bioherbicides for sustainable agricultural practices.
  • TATA Chemicals – Focuses on creating eco-friendly herbicide alternatives.
  • AgriLife – Specializes in plant-based biopesticides, including bioherbicides.

COMPONENT-3: HEALTH & MEDICINE 

  • Therapeutics
  • Biopharmaceuticals 
  • Regenerative medicine 
  • Biomaterials for production of medical equipment 
  • Vaccine and immunotherapy 
  • Enzyme replacement therapies
  • Antibodies
  • Cosmeceuticals

HIGHLIGHTS

  • National biopharma mission aims to strengthen India’s biopharma sector by fostering innovation, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving vaccine production to cater to global and local needs.
  • Investments in bio-AI hubs integrate data science into medicine, improving drug discovery, diagnostics, and health management systems under the BioE3 policy​.
  • The Indian government is actively promoting regenerative medicine. Initiatives by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aim to establish standards, fund research, and develop guidelines for safe and effective stem cell and regenerative therapies. 
  • Under the BioE3 policy investments are done in the field of bio-AI hubs integrating data science into medicine, improving drug discovery, diagnostics, and health management.
  • The government promotes R&D in functional cosmetics using bio-based ingredients, leveraging India’s biodiversity. This creates opportunities in export markets.

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Therapeutics

  • Biocon – A leader in developing therapeutic proteins and biosimilars.
  • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories – Focuses on innovative therapeutics, including generic and specialty medicines.
  • Natco Pharma – Develops innovative medicines for cancer, HIV, and other therapeutic areas.
  • Cadila Healthcare – Offers a range of therapeutic products in the fields of cardiovascular, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

Biopharmaceuticals

  • Serum Institute of India – Known for vaccines and biopharmaceuticals.
  • Cipla – Focuses on biopharmaceuticals, especially for respiratory and oncology treatments.
  • Wockhardt – Produces biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines and biosimilars.
  • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories – Develops biopharmaceuticals for oncology and dermatology.

Regenerative Medicine

  • TheraIndx – Develops stem cell therapies for musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.
  • Stempeutics Research – Offers stem cell therapies for degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.
  • Transcell Biolife – Focuses on stem cell therapies for cardiac and neurological conditions.

Biomaterials for Medical Equipment

Vaccine and Immunotherapy

Enzyme Replacement Therapies

Antibodies

Cosmeceuticals

  • Plum – A plant-based skincare brand
  • Aroma Magic – Focuses on essential oil-based skincare products
  • Biotique – Specializes in Ayurvedic-based cosmetic products.

COMPONENT-4: BIOENERGY        

  • Biomass-derived fuels
    • Bioethanol
    • Biodiesel
    • Biogas
    • Bio-oil
  • Biochar
  • By-products from biofuel production (glycerin, lignin)
  • Hydrogen from biomass
  • Biomass power
  • Biomass for heating         

HIGHLIGHTS

  • National Bioenergy Programme Launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for 2021-26, this program supports the development of biogas, biomass, and waste-to-energy projects, with an initial budget of ₹858 crore.
  • India has installed over 10 GW of biomass-based power, largely driven by bagasse cogeneration in sugar mills. These projects harness agricultural by-products for power generation, especially in sugarcane-producing states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra​
  • Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) This initiative encourages the production of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) from agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, and other biomass sources, aiming to establish 5,000 CBG plants by 2025.
  • The government has expedited ethanol blending in petrol, achieving a 10% blend rate in 2022 and targeting 20% by 2025, reducing oil imports and supporting the sugar industry. 
  • Incentives are provided for setting up biomass pellet and briquette manufacturing plants, with subsidies up to ₹45 lakh per plant, to supply clean fuel to industries and power plants

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Biomass-Derived Fuels

Biochar

  • Sinkit: Helps farmers in Odisha and Assam convert biomass into biochar, generating income via carbon credits​
  • ArSta Eco: Based in Karnataka, it produces biochar from biomass using pyrolysis technology​

By-Products (Glycerin, Lignin)

  • Praj Industries: Developed a process to create bio-bitumen from lignin, which is used in road construction.
  • Mectech Process Engineers: Designs and builds biodiesel plants and glycerine refining plants

Hydrogen from Biomass

  • GAIL – Develops hydrogen from renewable sources like biomass.
  • ReNew Power – Works on hydrogen from biomass projects.
  • BHEL – Develops biomass-to-hydrogen technology.

Biomass Power

  • Praj Industries Limited –  innovative biomass power technologies utilizing various feedstocks
  • Tata Power – Invests in biomass-based power generation, including bioelectricity.
  • A2Z Group: Innovative technologies for efficient biomass project

Biomass For Heating

  • Ankur Scientific: Supplies biomass gasifiers for industrial heat applications
  • Radhe Gasifiers: Specializes in manufacturing biomass gasifiers for industrial and rural energy needs

COMPONENT-5: BIOREMEDIATION 

  • Air pollution control 
  • Mining and resources recovery 
  • Phytoremediation
  • Soil and land restoration 
  • Ocean and marine ecosystem restoration
  • Degraded pollutants
  • Detoxification of Industrial Waste
  • Ecosystem restoration
  • Engineered wetlands

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Under the Namami Gange Program, bioremediation technologies are actively deployed for treating industrial effluents and municipal wastewater, ensuring the revival of India’s major river ecosystems
  • The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supports research on microbial bioremediation for cleaning oil spills in coastal areas, utilizing indigenous microbial strains that degrade hydrocarbons efficiently​
  • The Indian government has approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy, which emphasizes the use of biotechnology for environmental restoration and sustainable practices. This includes promoting bio-based solutions to address environmental pollution and climate change challenges
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has encouraged bioremediation to restore degraded mining areas. Microbial techniques are used to stabilize heavy metals and improve soil health, supporting biodiversity recovery​

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Air Pollution Control

  • Apzem India Engineering: Specializes in air pollution control equipment.
  • Thermax – Offers emission control technologies.
  • BreatheEasy: Provides air purifiers and air quality solutions to combat pollution.

Mining and Resources Recovery 

  • Duromech – Advanced technologies like biomining to enhance their waste management solutions
  • Antony Waste Ltd. – Recently secured CIDCO contract for bio-mining and resource recovery
  • Waste is Gold –  Their Bio-Mining Technology represents a transformative shift in waste management.

Phytoremediation

Soil and Land Restoration

  • Agrocel Industries – Works on soil fertility enhancement and sustainable agriculture practices to restore degraded farmland.
  • Vasudha Foundation – Promotes climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on land restoration and sustainable resource management in degraded rural areas.

Ocean And Marine Ecosystem restoration

Degraded Pollutants

Detoxified Industrial Waste

  • Ramky Enviro Engineers – Specializes in hazardous waste management, including detoxification.
  • SMS Envocare – Provides industrial waste treatment and detoxification services.
  • Detox group: Address 35% of Gujarat’s industrial hazardous waste through innovative and sustainable methods

Ecosystem Restoration

  • Terracon Ecotech – India’s first Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Company dedicated to populating turnkey solutions for a healthier planet.
  • Auroville Consulting – Promotes sustainable land-use practices and reforestation.
  • Ecological Restoration Alliance– This organization has projects such as the Dheerpur Wetland Restoration Project in Delhi

Engineered Wetlands

  • BlueDrop –  Aerated Constructed Wetlands redefining wasteWater treatment to meet ESG goals through nature-based solutions.
  • Emergy Enviro – Specializes in integrated wetland technology

COMPONENT-6: BIOMATERIALS 

  • Bioplastics
  • Biofibers
  • Bio-based materials for medical and healthcare products
  • Bio-based packaging materials
  • Biodegradable coatings
  • Bio-based water treatment products

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Biomaterials research aligns with India’s climate goals, aiming for low-carbon manufacturing practices and products contributing to the “Net Zero Carbon Economy” initiative.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Through BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), the government funds startups and MSMEs to commercialize innovative biomaterials and bio-based solutions​.
  • The Indian government, under the BioE3 policy, is promoting the use of bioplastics derived from agricultural and organic waste, reducing dependency on petroleum-based plastics and supporting sustainability efforts.
  • Innovations in biomaterials for energy storage, such as bio-supercapacitors, are advancing renewable energy technologies, aligning with India’s green energy transition

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Bioplastics

  • TGP Bioplastics Pvt Ltd – manufacture biodegradable plastic granules for retail packagings purposes such as single-use carrybags
  • EnviGreen – Focuses on creating 100% biodegradable and compostable plastic products.
  • Uflex Ltd. – Produces biodegradable and compostable films using bioplastics for packaging solutions.
  • Green Dot Bioplastics (India) – Works on innovative biodegradable and sustainable plastic alternatives.

Biofibers

Bio-based materials for medical and healthcare products

  • MediCiti – Innovates in the biomedical sector with bio-based healthcare products.
  • Wipro GE Healthcare – Provides medical devices, diagnostic imaging, and healthcare solutions.
  • Strand Life Sciences – Specializes in bioinformatics and molecular diagnostic solutions.
  • Hindustan Latex Limited – Manufactures a wide range of medical and healthcare products, including surgical gloves and contraceptives.

Bio-based packaging materials

  • UFlex (India) – Focuses on eco-friendly packaging materials using biodegradable solutions.
  • BioPak (India) – Focuses on biodegradable and compostable packaging for food and beverages.
  • Ecoware (India) – Specializes in biodegradable packaging products, including eco-friendly coatings for various packaging applications.

Biodegradable Coatings

  • Marico (India) – Focuses on sustainable products and has introduced biodegradable coatings for food packaging.
  • Zerocircle – Specializes in ocean-positive, biodegradable coatings made from sustainably harvested seaweed

Bio-based water treatment products

  • Elysian Industries: Based in Telangana, specializes in the Trans Bio Filter for eco-friendly wastewater treatment​
  • Aquaplus Water Purifiers: An Indian company known for portable, affordable bio-based water filters, widely used in disaster relief​

COMPONENT-7: MARINE BIOECONOMY      

  • Marine biofuels
  • Marine nutraceuticals
  • Marine-based pharmaceuticals
  • Sustainable aquaculture products
  • Blue carbon
  • Marine ecosystem restoration

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The market for marine biotechnology, which includes biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, is projected to grow significantly. The global blue biotechnology market is expected to expand from $3.5 billion in 2017 to $6.5 billion by 2024​
  • Programs aimed at restoring marine ecosystems are being promoted to protect marine biodiversity. The goal is to enhance carbon sequestration through blue carbon initiatives, contributing to climate change mitigation.
  • National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is actively involved in the promotion of sustainable aquaculture and marine resource utilization. It provides funding and technical assistance to projects focused on marine bioeconomy, such as marine algae farming and the development of marine nutraceuticals.
  • Government agencies, through initiatives like the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), are collaborating with private enterprises to commercialize marine bio-based products, especially in areas like marine pharmaceuticals and bioplastics​.

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs


Marine biofuels (Algae-Based)

Marine Nutraceuticals

Marine-Based Pharmaceuticals

  • SeQuent Scientific Ltd.: Develops marine-derived APIs and formulations for specialized therapeutic use​
  • Marine Life Sciences: A WHO-GMP-certified company producing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products using marine ingredient
  • AquAgri Processing – Extracts and processes seaweed based bioactive substances for pharmaceutical products.

Sustainable aquaculture products

  • Zeal Aqua – A prominent shrimp producer in Gujarat, known for its advanced shrimp farming technology
  • Skretting India – Specializes in high-quality fish feed products for aquaculture.
  • Waterbase Ltd – The first fully-integrated aquaculture company in India, specializing in shrimp and fish feed

Blue Carbon

Marine Ecosystem Restoration

COMPONENT-8: BIOCHEMICALS

  • Biobased commodity chemicals
  • Biobased specialty chemicals
  • Bio based adhesives and sealants
  • Organic acids (Lactic Acid, Citric Acid)
  • Biobased surfactants
  • Bio-based solvents
  • Bio-based lubricants
  • Natural cosmetics 

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • The Indian bio-based chemicals market, which includes chemicals like lactic acid and succinic acid, is growing as part of India’s transition to sustainable manufacturing. By 2025, the global bio-based chemicals market is projected to reach over $100 billion, driven by the growing demand for greener alternatives​. India’s policies, such as the National Biofuels Policy, are facilitating this growth, with specific targets for increasing the production of biofuels and other bio-based chemicals.
  • The government is encouraging the production of bio-based chemicals such as lactic acid, succinic acid, and bioethanol. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to boost the manufacturing of these chemicals by providing financial incentives to industries investing in sustainable processes.
  • The global market for bio-based adhesives is expected to grow significantly. The demand for sustainable packaging, particularly in industries like paper and construction, is driving the market for bioadhesives, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% between 2024 and 2030.
  • Under various government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), India is providing financial incentives to encourage the development of bio-based chemicals and materials. These initiatives are aligned with the country’s goal to increase its bioeconomy contribution to $150 billion by 2025.

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Biobased CommodityChemicals

Biobased Speciality chemicals

Bio-Based Adhesives and Sealants

  • Tata Chemicals – Works on bio-based sealants and adhesives for industrial use.
  • Supex – Green Adhesives & Sealants in India
  • Asian Paints: Develop bio-based paints, coatings, and varnishes.

Organic Acids (Lactic Acid, Citric Acid)

Biobased Surfactants

  • Vav Life Sciences: Produces bio-surfactants used in shampoos, soaps, and detergents
  • Galaxy Surfactants Ltd – A leading manufacturer of surfactants with a focus on sustainability, offering bio-based solutions

Biobased Solvents

  • Vizag Chemical: A manufacturer and supplier of bio-based chemicals in Visakhapatnam, India
  • Godavari Biorefineries – Specializes in biobased chemicals like biobutanol, esters, and ethers

Biobased Lubricants

Natural Cosmetics

  • Mamaearth – Known for eco-friendly, toxin-free cosmetics, particularly in skincare and hair care.
  • Biotique – Specializes in Ayurvedic-based cosmetic products for skin and hair care.
  • Forest Essentials – Focuses on luxury Ayurvedic skincare and wellness products.
  • Himalaya Wellness – Offers a range of natural skincare and personal care products, including cosmetics.

COMPONENT-9: BIODIVERSITY SOLUTIONS 

  • Sustainable forestry practices 
  • Ecosystem restoration
  • Pollinator habitat protection
  • Wildlife corridors
  • Biodiversity-based ecotourism

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • National Mission for a Green India, launched in 2014, this mission aims to increase forest and tree cover by 5 million hectares by 2030, contributing significantly to carbon sequestration and enhancing biodiversity. The program also includes afforestation efforts in degraded and barren lands.
  • India has 870 protected areas, covering over 5% of its geographical area. The creation of Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) is a key policy, with over 30 sites recognized for their exceptional ecological value. These sites also contribute to conservation awareness and local livelihoods.
  • In Ladakh, the SECURE Himalaya initiative (funded by the Global Environment Facility and India’s Ministry of Environment) supports the conservation of high-altitude ecosystems, including wetlands. The program has helped protect critical species like the black-eyed crane and promote sustainable tourism.
  • Through initiatives like the Green India Mission, India has committed to an investment of $6.5 billion over 5 years to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems, with a focus on rural areas.

Key Indian Industry Players in Producing These Outputs

Sustainable Forestry Practices

Ecosystem Restoration

Pollinator habitat protection

  • The Nature Conservancy Centre (TNCC): an Indian non-profit organization that works on pollinator conservation
  • Syngenta India – Launched Operation Pollinator which is an international biodiversity program to boost the number of pollinating insects on commercial farms.

Wildlife Corridors

  • The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI): worked on projects to secure wildlife corridors, such as the Garo Green Spine project.
  • WWF India – Engages in securing tiger corridors and elephant migration routes by collaborating with local communities and policymakers.

Biodiversity Based Ecotourism

  • Himalayan Ark – A community-owned, nature-based tourism enterprise in Munsiari, Kumaon Himalaya.
  • Tata Sustainability Group – A member of the Natural Capital Coalition that works to mainstream sustainable management of biological diversity into businesses.