Harnessing Biotech for a Viksit Bharat: Strategies and Challenges Ahead in Agriculture

India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 envisions a developed nation where agriculture plays a pivotal role in achieving self-reliance, sustainability, and economic growth. With agriculture employing over 54% of the workforce and contributing approximately 18% to the Gross Value Added (GVA), biotechnology emerges as a transformative force to address persistent challenges like low productivity, climate vulnerability, and resource scarcity. This article explores the current state of Indian agriculture, key biotechnological applications such as genetically modified (GM) crops and genome editing, strategic initiatives aligned with national policies like BioE3 (formally known as the Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment Policy), and formidable challenges including regulatory hurdles and socio-economic barriers. Drawing on case studies of Bt cotton and emerging bio-manufacturing hubs, it highlights successes and pathways forward. Future prospects indicate that leveraging biotech could triple agricultural output to $3.1 trillion by 2047, but requires balanced innovation, inclusive adoption, and robust governance. By integrating biotech with traditional farming, India can foster resilient agri-food systems, enhance farmer incomes, and secure nutrition for 1.4 billion people. This review underscores the need for policy reforms to harness biotech's potential while mitigating risks, paving the way for a sustainable Viksit Bharat by 2047