LUCKNOW, 22 May 2025: In a significant push toward agricultural modernization, Uttar Pradesh has voiced strong support for biotechnology and gene editing to transform its farm sector.
Speaking at a state-level workshop on ‘Biotechnology Applications for Crop Improvement’ on May 22, 2025, Dr. K V Raju, Advisor to the Chief Minister, called for leveraging cutting-edge science to boost productivity, especially in stagnating crops like rice and wheat.
“Uttar Pradesh’s GDP has surged to ₹30 lakh crore, growing at 14% annually, but we need to address stagnant crop yields with scientific innovation,” said Dr. Raju. The workshop, organized by Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) and Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), marks the state’s first formal commitment to biotechnology in agriculture.
Highlighting the disparity in rice productivity between UP (1.7–2.4 tonnes/ha) and Punjab (6.5 tonnes/ha), experts called for gene-edited crops and precision biotech tools to close the yield gap. Diversification from sugarcane to maize and potato, and enhanced pest resistance through GM technology, were emphasized as key strategies.
The event also underlined the need for capacity-building among state officials, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and agri-universities to ensure responsible deployment of gene-edited crops. “We must embrace biotechnology to counteract climate stress and protect farmer livelihoods,” said FSII Executive Director Raghavan Sampathkumar.
Dr. Vibha Ahuja, CGM of BCIL, noted India’s unique synergy between public and private sectors in agri-tech innovation. She pointed to the recent launch of gene-edited rice varieties by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a major policy signal.
The UP government is also setting up a 200-acre seed park and collaborating with global research institutions to accelerate adoption. ANDUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Bijendra Singh urged the empowerment of students and researchers with modern biotechnological tools.
With over 20 million farmers and a shrinking average landholding size, experts unanimously agreed that the future of agriculture in UP rests on timely adoption of science-based reforms.
Image credit: diplomatist.com
