Global Impact of Biotech/GM Crops

A series of seminars on the global impact of biotech/ GM crops is being conducted by Dr. Clive James, chair of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. The latest seminar was organized by the Department of Botany of the University of Delhi, at the University Conference Centre on 21^st February, 2008. Over 350 participants, including scientists working on GM crops and their biosafety aspects, teachers and students attended the seminar. Dr. Clive James, ISAAA Chair, gave an overview of the challenges that confront humankind in providing global food, feed, fiber and fuel security. He indicated how biotech crops can contribute to the alleviation of hunger and poverty, and enhance rural incomes.

Dr. James noted that farmers in developing countries have enthusiastically adopted biotech crops. In India the area under Bt cotton has increased by 160% in 2005, 192% in 2006 and 63% in 2007. In addition to the social benefits, biotech crops contribute to the mitigation of effects associated with climate change and protection of biodiversity. Dr. Randy Hautea, Global Coordinator of ISAAA, familiarized the participants with the objectives, organizational structure and achievements of ISAAA. In his presidential address, Prof. Deepak Pental, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi lauded ISAAA's efforts in sharing knowledge and dispelling some misconceptions about GM adoption in developing countries. He advocated collaborative research to focus on developing genetically superior crops, and a more rapid transfer of technology from laboratory to the farmer’s field. Prof. A.K. Bhatnagar, Head, Department of Botany, said that the seminar will help in building greater awareness among the students and attract them to join the exciting field of crop biotechnology.

For more information about the seminar contact Dr. Ashok Bhatnagar at akb_du@rediffmail.com. Email b.choudhary@isaaa.org for biotech developments in India.