: Potential of biotechnology should be integrated into farming to augment food production, said M. Maheswaran, biotechnologist and director of research at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Addressing a two-day national seminar on ‘New Frontiers in Agricultural Bio-Technology’ at the Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, on Tuesday, he stressed the need to explore advancements in biotechnology, especially plant breeding and genetics as well as plant protection disciplines to face the challenges of food crisis.
“Biotechnology should not be seen, learnt and practiced in isolation, but in tandem with other branches. Proper use of biotechnology tools is very vital. Scientists should strive to learn not only advanced technology but also to realise the right way to use them,” he said.
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T.R. Gopalakrishnan, KAU director of research, in his presidential address highlighted the need to understand and practice modern technologies as scientific tools for enhancing and sustaining agricultural productivity.
“The self-sufficiency in food grain production in the country did not happen overnight. It happened because of a series of technological inputs like improved varieties, plant health management inputs and soil health management," he said.
He opined that biotechnology has become an integral part of agricultural development. "The shift in cropping pattern, from high volume crops to high value crops will help economic empowerment of farmers and the role of biotechnology in this area is vital,” he said.
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The seminar, organised by KAU’s Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (CPBMB), with the support of State Planning Board is participated by researchers from different State Agricultural Universities, research organisations and industrial houses.
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M. Maheshwaran stressed the need to explore advancements in biotechnology, especially plant breeding and genetics to face the challenges of food crisis.