PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, BIOTECHNOLOGY CAN LEAD TO ANOTHER REVOLUTION IN AGRICULTURE-DR. KANG

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 6:---

In this scientific age, biotechnology has been recognized as a front runner technology area which can benefit not only agriculture but also other walks of life. This was stated by Dr Manjit Singh Kang, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University while delivering his key-note paper to participants of the UGC sponsored national seminar on \'Genetically Modified Crops: Challenges and Opportunities\' at Doaba College Jalandhar. Dr. Kang said that the biotechnological tools such as tissue culture, genetic transformation, molecular biology techniques, etc. can greatly help in different agricultural areas including crop improvement, crop production and crop protection. He informed that at the global level transgenic versions of maize, cotton, soybean, potato, tomato and papaya are under cultivation over 134 million hectare area in 25 countries. He said that in India Bt. cotton has led to enhanced production through better management of pests despite curtailing the pesticides use. Dr. Kang said that biotechnology holds enormous possibilities in agriculture, healthcare, etc. He said that PAU has developed its School of Agricultural Biotechnology with state of the art facilities.



PAU Director of Research, Dr. S.S. Gosal said that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are now being referred to as living modified organisms (LMOs). He said that PAU has developed protocols for 19 plant species for its rapid and mass production. He explained how gene pyramiding techniques have helped to develop resistance against diseases like bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in paddy and rusts in wheat. He highlighted that transgenic offer enormous benefit.



The Additional Director Communication, Dr. Jagtar Singh Dhiman, deliberated on the organizational setup, achievements, impact and futuristic programmes of PAU. He said that PAU has so far released 693 varieties of 95 different crops since its inception and has formulated programmes benefiting the farmers and farming of the state.



Dr. P.K. Sehajpal of Guru Nanak Dev University elaborated how different people take transgenic crops differently. He said that technology should be for the welfare of people. An eminent farm economist and former Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala, Dr. S.S. Johl said that biotechnology is a revolutionary subject offering multiple benefits. He said that pros and cons of any technology should be viewed thoroughly. Dr. G.P.I. Singh of Desh Pratap Institute also spoke on the occasion.



Earlier, the College Principal, Dr. Naresh Dhiman spoke about the College and the National Seminar. He said that the UGC sponsored seminar was being organized by Departments of Biotechnology and Economics of Doaba College. He thanked the Chief Guest, Dr. Kang, key note speakers and the delegates from different parts of Punjab. He alongwith Mrs. Sushma Chopra, Secretary College Management Committee, Professor Avtar Singh and Dr. Rajeev Khosla honoured the dignitaries by presenting shawls and mementos. The proceedings of the seminar were conducted by Prof. Avtar Singh.
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