‘J&K placed on India’s export map’
Avtar Bhat
KATHUA, Mar 14: Union Minister of State with Independent Charge for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Ministries, Dr Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone of Rs 600 crore major Multi National Company and pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at village Gadadhar in district Kathua.
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The project, with investment of over Rs 600 to 700 cr, is being set up by Orchid Pharma with facilitation from Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. With its construction, J&K will be placed on India’s export map and the Pharma unit will likely generate direct employment facility to 400 people, while creating an equal number of indirect employment opportunities for suppliers, logistics provider and other allied sectors, the Union Minister told reporters at the sidelines of the function.
Dr Jitendra Singh said since last 11-12 years after Modi Government took over at Centre, Kathua has emerged as a model of development with establishment of Medical College, North India’s first Biotech Park, Homeopathic College, Tata Memorial day care centre for Cancer patients etc.
He said this facility has been created so that the cancer patients don’t have to go to other parts often for treatment. A Sarai (an inn) will be constructed there for radiation facilities, besides surgeons will be sent outside for training.
Dr Jitendra Singh said this will be first kind of Pharma company here. While stressing on Narendra Modi Government’s thrust on private sector and Government partnership, he said “We want to collaborate with private partners to bridge the gap between Government and private sector.’’
He said cost effective medicines will be produced in the company so that the country’s dependence on other nations for import of such medicines is completely reduced to zero.
Dr Jitendra Singh said Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency earned the distinction in entire country of getting three medical colleges. He also announced that Arun Jatiley Sports Stadium at Hiranagar Kathua will be completed soon.
Earlier, addressing the function, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the investment of around Rs 600 crore , being made under the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme, reflects growing confidence in the industrial and innovation potential of the Jammu & Kashmir region.
The Minister highlighted that with its growing industrial infrastructure Kathua has the potential to emerge as a significant pharmaceutical manufacturing hub on India’s Pharma export map.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described the project as a major breakthrough for the pharmaceutical sector in the region, noting that the facility will manufacture the critical antibiotic intermediate Amino Cephalosporanic Acid (ACA), a key component in the production of cephalosporin antibiotics. At present, India depends almost entirely on imports of this intermediate from China, which creates vulnerabilities in supply security, pricing stability and healthcare access.
The Minister said the Kathua facility would significantly strengthen India’s strategic capabilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce import dependence on critical intermediates. “Antibiotics are foundational to modern healthcare, and the pandemic showed how dependence on a single geography for essential inputs can quickly become a national vulnerability”.
Highlighting the broader policy vision, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to make India self-reliant in critical healthcare technologies and pharmaceutical supply chains. He also referred to the newly announced Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative in the Union Budget aimed at strengthening India’s biotechnology and biopharmaceutical ecosystem.
The Minister noted that India is rapidly emerging as a major player in the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, currently ranking third in biomanufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region and 30th globally. “The establishment of such advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing units has the potential to place Kathua on India’s pharmaceutical export map,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the Kathua project reflects India’s intent to move up the pharmaceutical value chain thereby reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable global supplier of essential medicines, particularly for countries that depend on India during health emergencies.
He added that establishing advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing in Jammu & Kashmir signals a new development approach focused on capability building, skill development and long-term value creation. “This is not merely about reducing imports; it is about building strategic capability where it matters the most,” he said, adding that such projects integrate regions like Jammu & Kashmir into the national growth story through knowledge-driven industries.
The Minister said projects like this not only expand India’s pharmaceutical capacity but also strengthen the country’s health security by ensuring the availability and affordability of essential medicines even during global disruptions.
Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale said that the bio-economy is crucial for strengthening the country’s scientific and economic capabilities, adding that science-led bio-manufacturing initiatives such as emerging efforts in Kathua demonstrate how India is building the capacity to become a strong global competitor in biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Managing Director, BIRAC, Dr. Jitendra Kumar; Chairman, Dhanuka Group, Ram Gopal Agarwal; Managing Director, Orchid Biopharma, Manish Dhanuka; and Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, were also present on the occasion.
Pertinent to mention that the facility in Kathua is being developed by Orchid Bio Pharma. The company is among the world’s largest manufacturers of cephalosporin antibiotics and operates in more than 60 countries, serving over 200 global customers through international partnerships.
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