RAICHUR, 11 February 2025: The Union Budget 2025-26 places a strong emphasis on agriculture, introducing initiatives such as the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, expanded seed availability, and efforts to boost cotton productivity.
Recognizing biotechnology's pivotal role in enhancing crop yields and farmer incomes, experts convened at a workshop organized by the University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur, Karnataka, and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), with support from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII). The workshop focused on developing high-yielding, resilient crop varieties through biotechnology.
Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager of BCIL, emphasized the need for a supportive regulatory environment to fully harness agricultural biotechnology's potential. She highlighted the success of Bt cotton in India and advocated for responsible innovation in developing biotech crops.
Dr. Paresh Verma, Executive Director of the Bioseeds Division at DCM Shriram Limited, discussed the benefits of genetically modified (GM) crops, including Bt cotton, in achieving sustainable agricultural productivity. He also advocated for integrating gene editing with modern agricultural technologies like precision agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The success of Bt cotton in India illustrates biotechnology's transformative impact on agriculture. Since the introduction of genetically engineered crops in 1996, significant yield improvements have been observed in crops like maize, soybean, cotton, and canola. Advancements in gene editing since 2012 offer faster and more precise methods to develop resilient crop varieties. Coupled with innovations in precision agriculture, these technologies have the potential to drive significant agricultural progress.
Following the exemption of certain gene-edited plants in March 2022, FSII has been organizing workshops across various states to promote awareness and discussions on GM and gene-edited crops. These initiatives aim to expand dialogue around crop improvement technologies and their role in sustainable agriculture, ensuring that policymakers, researchers, and farmers are equipped to adopt these solutions effectively.
Dr. M. Hanumanthappa, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, commended the efforts of FSII and BCIL. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to accelerate the deployment of these technologies to improve farmer livelihoods and strengthen national food security.
Experts anticipate that these insights will significantly contribute to the development and adoption of innovative seed technologies, ultimately empowering farmers and strengthening India's agricultural sector. The commitment to advancing biotechnology research and its application in Indian agriculture remains strong, focusing on building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all stakeholders.
