BRIC-NABI Green Forge Complex (Science & Technology)
BRIC-NABI Green Forge Complex (Science & Technology)
Why In News:
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the first-of-its-kind 'Green Forge' complex at the BRIC-National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI) in Mohali on 31 August 2026, describing it as a milestone in the genetically modified crop revolution.
BRIC-NABI
BRIC-NABI is a specialised institute working in the areas of agri-food biotechnology, bioprocessing and biomanufacturing.
It was formed through the merger of the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and the Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB).
It functions under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), an autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology.
Located in Mohali, Punjab, BRIC-NABI focuses on improving the nutritional value, affordability and processing of agricultural and food products.
Its research also includes the conversion of agricultural and food-processing waste into value-added products, such as nutraceuticals and biomaterials.
Green Forge Complex
The Green Forge is a controlled-environment research facility designed to simulate different climatic conditions for studying genetically modified (GM) crops.
Its controlled chambers can vary parameters such as temperature, humidity and light, enabling researchers to study crop responses under different environmental conditions.
Such facilities help in evaluating the adaptability and performance of GM crops before undertaking experiments under open-field conditions.
The facility also provides scope for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with environmental simulation and crop research.
Broader theme: Positioned under BioE3, a national policy framework approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024.
BioE3 & Biomanufacturing
BioE3 stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment.
The policy seeks to promote high-performance biomanufacturing using biotechnology for sectors such as food and agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, materials and environmental sustainability.
Biomanufacturing involves using biological systems such as cells, enzymes or microorganisms to produce useful products, materials and chemicals.
Key facts for Prelims
BRIC was established to bring together multiple autonomous biotechnology research institutions under a common organisational framework of the Department of Biotechnology.
DBT is the nodal department of the Government of India for promoting and coordinating biotechnology research and development.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and is associated with the environmental appraisal of activities involving genetically engineered organisms, including proposals relating to GM crops.
The bioeconomy broadly refers to economic activities based on the sustainable use of biological resources, biotechnology and biological processes to generate products and services.