Biotech Updates

Bangladeshi Scientists Urged to Develop Saline Water Resilient Rice

February 11, 2011

Bangladesh's Agriculture Minister Ms Matia Chowdhury called on scientists to develop saline water-resilient rice for cultivation in the southern region of the country where salinity during winter months remains a problem. "We have to make the best use of our limited land as food demand has sharply increased because of high population growth," she added. The minister gave these remarks during the 10th founding anniversary of the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department, University of Dhaka.

The minister assured scientists of government support to enable them to develop salt-resilient rice for the cyclone-prone southern region. She also said that the government is formulating biosafety rules to ensure protection and sustainable use of the country's rich biodiversity.

State Minister for Science and Information and Communication Technology Minister Architect Yafes Osman, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, and Pro-Vice Chancellor Harun-or-Rashid attended the program as special guests. The state minister said the country has already made substantial success in biotechnology such as research in jute gene sequencing and mitigation of arsenic in edible water. The two-day event was attended by around 150 participants from both public and private sectors.

For more news on biotechnology in Bangladesh email Dr. Khondoker Nasiruddin of the Bangladesh Biotechnology Information Center at nasirbiotech@yahoo.com.