More than 20 nations across the world have now been utilising genetically modified (GM) techniques for development of crops and this is only just a beginning, said Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agriculture University Dr SK Patil.
Addressing bio scientists from across the country on the second day of the two-day workshop on 'bio safety' organised by Chhattisgarh Infotech and Biotech Promotion Society (CHIPS) on Tuesday, Patil said that there were immense possibilities for development of superior crops through GM techniques.
While informing about the Bio Technology guidelines issued by the Central Government for taking up various activities, Dr Rajlakshmi Muralidharan of the Bio Technology Department of the Central Government said that Chhattisgarh is full of bio assets.
Addressing the participants during the first session of the second day of the workshop, group leader of International Centre for Genetic Engineering Dr Raj Bhatnagar said, "There has to be continuous improvement in techniques for achieving a better crop output."
Giving examples of tomatoes, cauliflower and maize, he said, after many efforts there had been gradual improvement in the quality of these crops.
Dr Girish Chandel of Agriculture University, Raipur informed about saving crops from malnutrition, while Dr D Sudhakar of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore stressed on improving the level of nutrition in crops.
Director of Devlila Biotech Rajendra Surana, while talking in the context of Chhattisgarh, said that there were immense possibilities for growing GM crops in the State.
Team leader of International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi Dr VS Reddy informed about new techniques, while keeping in view the various aspects of bio safety.
During the third session a panel discussion was held which was participated by Dr Raj Bhatnagar, Dr VS Reddy, Dr Sudhakar, Dr Rajlakshmi Muralidharan, Dr Girish Chandel and Dr VK Patra.
Expressing his gratitude towards the participants, CHIPS Joint Chief Executive Officer Dr PK Patra said that the views expressed in the workshop would greatly help the farmers and that was the prime objective of the organisation.
later, Dr SK Patil and CHIPS CEO AM Pariyal distributed certificates to the participants.