Three-day AgriBiotech 2006 begins

New techniques for understanding of genome has led to huge investments in R&D in agri biotechnology, especially in Western countries, but has at the same time given rise to debate in developing countries such as India about the possible risks and benefits associated with genetically modified crops.

To provide a platform for agricultural scientists and farmers from developing and developed countries to discuss the benefits of the gene revolution in the country, the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (APIDC) was holding a three-day international conference, 'AgriBiotech 2006', on 'Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Agro-Industry' at Pragati Resorts from today.

More than 300 delegates from about 11 countries including, Germany, Pakistan, Japan, Singapore and China, are participating in the three-day international conference.

Speaking at the first plenary session on 'Biotechnology for Crop Improvement', Swapan Datta, former senior plant biotechnologist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) called upon the Indian agricommunity to achieve its rightful share in the $43 bn global agri-biotech market for the greater benefit of farmers.

Explaining some of the problems being faced by the Indian agriculture, Datta said, "Global agri-subsidy and Indian farmer's struggle are a study in contrasts. If about 10 million farmers in the US and other Western countries thrive on agri-subsidy, more than 110 million agri-households in India cultivate without any such comparable subsidies."

Roberto Tuberosa, agricultural scientist, department of Agroenvironmental Sciences and Technology, Viale Fanin, Italy said, "GM crops are not controversial but like any other crops are organic crops." Developing countries facing the problem of hunger cannot sideline developments in agritechnology such as the genetically modified crops, Tuberosa said.

A total of 10 sessions would be held over the next three days on key topics such as biotechnology for crop improvement, gene technology and stress tolerance, and biopesticides and biocontrol agents. The conference is being held in association with AP Netherlands Biotechnology Program (APNLBP), Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science and Technology (APCOST), Pragati Agri-Biotech Private Limited and Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU).