Jitendra Singh Inaugurates "Green Forge" Complex at NABI Mohali

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has inaugurated India's first-of-its-kind Green Forge Complex at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (BRIC-NABI) in Mohali, Punjab, on August 31, 2026. The facility, unveiled during the National Conclave on BioE3, is designed to support genome and trait engineering along with controlled environmental testing of genetically modified crops.

Inauguration of the 'Green Forge' Complex at BRIC-NABI, Mohali

Speaking at the event, Dr Singh explained that Green Forge houses specialised simulation chambers where researchers can adjust light, humidity, and temperature to recreate optimum growing conditions for genetically modified crops. This allows scientists to study how a particular crop variety performs across different environments and identify the most suitable regions for its cultivation, an important step whenever a new GM variety is developed.

Key Technical Features and AI Integration in Climate Simulation

1. A key strength of Green Forge lies in its ability to recreate specific environmental parameters that are otherwise difficult to reproduce naturally. 
2. Dr Singh noted that combining this simulation capability with Artificial Intelligence could make research processes far more efficient, offering scientists greater flexibility while conducting complex experiments. 
3. He described the facility as particularly valuable for advanced research in both agriculture and medical sciences, calling it a reflection of the growing convergence between biotechnology, simulation technology, and AI.

Expansion of India's Bioeconomy Under the BioE3 Initiative

1. Highlighting the broader progress of India's biotechnology sector, Dr Singh pointed out that the country's bioeconomy has grown remarkably from USD 10 billion to USD 200 billion, a jump he credited to supportive policies and stronger collaboration with the private sector.
2. He noted that the BioE3 initiative is increasingly focused on turning research into industry-ready products, with 22 manufacturing hubs now supporting start-ups, SMEs, and researchers. 
3. He also referred to the National Bio-Foundry Network, made up of eight specialised facilities, as a major step in building infrastructure for entrepreneurs, adding that over 50 process innovations are currently being scaled up for practical use.

Key Strategic Priorities: CCU, Space Biotech and Institutional Clusters

Dr Singh also spoke about ongoing work in Carbon Capture and Utilisation, revealing that around 38 projects are being supported by the Department of Biotechnology to help tackle emissions from industries like cement and steel. He touched upon emerging areas such as sustainable aviation fuels and space biotechnology, mentioning collaborative work with ISRO on life-science experiments. Additionally, he emphasised the need for stronger institutional clustering, suggesting that biotechnology, medical, and agricultural institutions within the same region — such as Chandigarh- should coordinate more closely to encourage interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration. He concluded by linking these developments to India's larger goals of achieving Net Zero by 2070 and building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.