Biotechnology can be approached from different angles. Some describe it as “a field of technological activity in which biochemical, genetic, microbiological, and engineering techniques are combined for the pursuit of technical and applied aspects of research into biological materials and, in particular, into biological processing”, such as “the application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for production of knowledge, goods and services.” Under a wide approach based on the biological nature of the products and processes involved, old techniques, such as fermentation processes, as well as the newest ones, such as biomolecular engineering may be included in the range of activities falling in the field of biotechnology

Source: http://www.dbtindia.nic.in/policies/