New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a major Kathua pharma facility in Jammu and Kashmir.
Orchid Pharma will build the manufacturing unit at Village Gadadhar in Kathua district. The project involves an investment of about ₹600 to ₹700 crore.
Officials said the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council supported the project under the Department of Biotechnology. Therefore, the initiative reflects growing investor confidence in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the project would strengthen the industrial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, it would create around 400 direct jobs.
The Minister added that suppliers, logistics providers and allied sectors would also benefit. As a result, the project could generate a similar number of indirect jobs.
He also said Kathua’s improving infrastructure gives the district strong potential in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Consequently, the Kathua pharma facility could place the region on India’s pharma export map.
Kathua pharma facility to produce key antibiotic component
The Minister said the Kathua pharma facility will manufacture Amino Cephalosporanic Acid. This compound is a key intermediate used to produce cephalosporin antibiotics.
At present, India depends heavily on imports of this ingredient from China. Therefore, domestic production will improve supply security.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the project also supports the government’s Production Linked Incentive scheme. In addition, it advances the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen healthcare manufacturing.
He also referred to the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative announced in the Union Budget. According to him, the programme will expand India’s biotechnology capabilities.
The Minister said India already ranks third in biomanufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, the country holds the 30th position globally.
He stressed that advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing strengthens health security. As a result, India can ensure the supply of essential medicines during global disruptions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also said such projects integrate regions like Jammu and Kashmir into the national growth story.
Department of Biotechnology Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gokhale also addressed the gathering. He said science-driven biomanufacturing would strengthen India’s global competitiveness.
Managing Director of BIRAC Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dhanuka Group Chairman Ram Gopal Agarwal, Orchid Biopharma Managing Director Manish Dhanuka and Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma also attended the event.
