Biotechnology, often perceived by the general public to be complex and obscure, is a term that is simple and a key factor in sustainable development. Biotechnology is a combination of biology and technology, where we use things from nature and figure out ways to make something better in terms of sustainability, health, economy, and innovation. It’s a branch of basic sciences whose applications can be implemented for many discoveries and innovations. The best application to understand its applications is the remarkable discovery of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This included cutting-edge techniques like “genome sequencing” and “protein engineering,” which are the results of innovation and advancement in the field of biotechnology. While we may think biotechnology to be a modern subject, its knowledge traces back to ancient Hindu texts such as the Rigveda, Charaka Samhita, and Sushruta Samhita. One of the modern applications of biotechnology is functional foods and smart proteins. So, we all consume food as a means of nutrition, such as macro- and micronutrients for growth and development of body and mind. But the concept of functional foods is beyond basic nutrition, as they contain bioactive compounds that enhance and elevate the nutritional value of foods. The role of bioactive compounds is to enhance overall health and reduce the risk of diseases. The functional foods contain prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, etc., which are magical spells for the growth of the human body and prevention of any type of chronic disease. India is a developing country that faces both undernutrition and overnutrition, where a part of India suffers from malnutrition and other parts of it suffer from obesity and diabetes. Implementation of these functional foods in the Indian market at an affordable price can break these differences in nutrition and can lead to betterment in the health of the public. The functional foods are a result of genetic engineering or fermentation technologies, which can be performed by utilizing indigenous plants and traditional crops, making the process economical and sustainable. India is a protein-deficit country where the meals of the general public lack enough proteins, leading to their inability to fulfill their daily protein intake. Animals such as chicken and mutton are a high source of protein but lead to exploitation, cruelty, torture, deprivation, and bloodshed of animals. Smart Protein focuses on fulfilling the protein requirements with plant-based proteins, lab-grown (cultivated) protein, and fermentation-derived protein. This will not only reduce the brutality on animals but will also generate a large employment. It uses fewer resources and generates lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional livestock farming, contributing to sustainable development. Both functional foods and smart protein can be a solution to malnutrition and environmental degradation, being sustainable and economical at the same time. This exactly is the goal of the Bio-E3 policy, which aims for a “bio-based economy” that is healthier, more sustainable, and economically prosperous. The campaign focuses on biotechnology, bio-economy, and sustainable solutions through education, entrepreneurship, and employment in the biotech sector.

Devi Prasad Sahu

University/College name : Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chattisgrarh.