Surprised ? Well, coloured cotton, cubic watermelons and drought-resistant crops are no longer figments of the imagination. In fact, just as you are reading this, a whole bunch of scientists is working to achieve just that.

Enter the world of biotechnology that is striving to make all this happen. At a seminar on Agro Processing and Biotechnology held here on Friday last (July 20), a group of experts came together to discuss the potential of biotechnology and its application to the agro and food processing sectors in India. The group included academics, industrialists and consumer groups, besides even political representatives.

The seminar, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Greater Mysore Chambers of Industry (GMCI), was inaugurated by Karnataka State Minister for Agriculture T B Jayachandra. The welcome address was delivered by Chirayu R Amin, President, FICCI.

In his opening address, K Ramaswamy, President, FKCCI, the Karnataka arm of FICCI, highlighted the significance of biotechnology in agricultural production and processing. He also said that this is being recognised now by both the Centre and the States. The new policy on biotechnology is a step in the right direction.

T M Manjunath, Director, R&D, Monsanto Research Centre, IISc, Bangalore said, “Agricultural biotechnology can contribute by increasing crop yield, ‘tolerant’ crops that can resist heat, cold and pests." He said that products like ‘Golden rice’ and ‘golden mustard’ have created much interest among consumers and in the industry.

In India, transgenic technology is being used with Mahyco’s introduction of Monsanto’s ‘Bollgard’ Bt gene in Indian cotton hybrids. But Manjunath cautioned that before commercialization of a transgenic technology in any country, the bio-safety requirements have to be satisfied. Transgenic technology can help make India an agricultural superpower only if it is effectively implemented and misconceptions are removed.

Ramaswamy also emphasised on the pro-active role, which the government has to play. Recently, the FKCCI had made suggestions to the Government of Karnataka on agro processing involving biotechnology.  He emphasised that the government should focus on this recommendation. Especially important in this context are issues like identifying new zones and clearer definition of products. In other words, Karnataka needs to recognise more than the presently identified 10 agro climatic zones and five model areas. Also, products should be defined in clear terms rather than a general description like ‘foods, beverages from milk…”

He also said that a study group is required that consists of farmers, commercial experts and marketing consultants who will identify agro processing needs and suggest appropriate technologies. Other recommendations included easier imports of biotechnology for agriculture and a setting up a single window statutory body, such as a Risk Analysis and Bio Safety Committee.

The statutory body should consist of scientific experts, product generators and marketers who will field-test GM crops, within a certain time frame. Moreover, a mechanism should be established to provide legal protection to individuals and organisations who wish to conduct field tests or grow approved GM crops. Such acts should be recognised as criminal acts attracting penal action from the State to make feel volunteers feel secure.

Further, a mechanism should be instituted to encourage and financially support individual initiative in crop improvement through biotechnology and marketing products through venture capital. At least one agricultural biotechnologist, one individual from agro biotech industry and one from biotech commerce, in the State’s Vision Group on Biotechnology should be included in such groups.

Other speakers in this conference included Vivek Singhal, President, All India Biotech Association and Chairman, Biotech International Ltd, New Delhi and Dr V Prakash , Director, CFTRI , Mysore. The former spoke on ‘Application of biotechnology to agro processing" and the latter on ‘value addition to agro processing by adaptable biotechnology’.

It is evident that biotechnology has become intrinsic to growth in the agro economy and for increasing productivity levels of its sectors. It is time for India to adopt it and move ahead.