Kathua, March 14: Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other key portfolios, laid the foundation stone for a major pharmaceutical manufacturing facility of a multinational company in Gadadhar village, Kathua district, on Saturday.
This project, backed by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is being established with an investment exceeding ₹600 to ₹700 crores by Orchid Pharma.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh highlighted that the nearly ₹600 crore investment under the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme reflects growing confidence in the industrial and innovation potential of the Jammu and Kashmir region. He noted that this facility is expected to create direct employment for around 400 individuals, with an equal number of indirect job opportunities for suppliers, logistics providers, and other related sectors.
The minister emphasized that with its expanding industrial infrastructure, Kathua has the potential to emerge as a significant pharmaceutical manufacturing hub on India’s pharma export map.
Dr. Singh described this project as a major achievement for the region’s pharmaceutical sector, stating that the plant will manufacture crucial antibiotic intermediates, specifically Amino Cephalosporanic Acid (ACA), which is a key component in the production of cephalosporin antibiotics. Currently, India is almost entirely reliant on China for the import of this intermediate, leading to issues with supply security, price stability, and access to healthcare.
He added that this facility in Kathua will significantly enhance India’s strategic capabilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports for critical intermediates. “Antibiotics are the backbone of modern healthcare, and the pandemic has shown how quickly reliance on a single geographical area for essential goods can become a national weakness,” he stated.
Dr. Singh outlined a comprehensive policy approach, indicating that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India self-reliant in critical healthcare technologies and pharmaceutical supply chains. He also mentioned the ₹10,000 crore Bio-Pharma Power Initiative announced in the Union Budget, aimed at strengthening India’s biotechnology and biopharmaceutical ecosystem.
The minister noted that India is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, currently ranking third in biomanufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region and 30th globally. He expressed optimism that the establishment of such advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing units could secure Kathua’s place on India’s drug export map.
Dr. Singh stressed that the Kathua project reflects India’s commitment to advancing in the pharmaceutical value chain, reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable global supplier of essential medicines, especially for nations that depend on India during health emergencies.
He further stated that setting up advanced pharmaceutical production facilities in Jammu and Kashmir signals a new development approach focused on capacity building, skill development, and long-term value creation. “It’s not just about reducing imports; it’s about building strategic capabilities in areas where they are most needed,” he explained. He added that such projects integrate regions like Jammu and Kashmir into the national development narrative through knowledge-based industries.
Moreover, he emphasized that these initiatives not only expand India’s pharmaceutical production capacity but also strengthen the country’s health security by ensuring the availability and affordability of essential medicines during global disruptions.
Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, remarked that the bio-economy is crucial for enhancing the country’s scientific and economic capabilities. He further noted that science-based biomanufacturing initiatives like those emerging in Kathua demonstrate how India is building its potential to become a strong global competitor in biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Present at the event were Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, Ram Gopal Agarwal, Chairman of the Dhanuka Group, Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director of Orchid BioPharma, and Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Kathua.
It is noteworthy that this facility in Kathua is being developed by Orchid BioPharma, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cephalosporin antibiotics, operating in over 60 countries and serving more than 200 global clients through international partnerships.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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