Use biotechnology in farming: Expert

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 12

An international conference on the ‘Recent trends in bioinformatics and biotechnology for sustainable development’ was inaugurated at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences of Jammu (SKUAST-J) today.

The event was held under the aegis of the Society for Bioinformatics and Biological Sciences.

Abdul Ghani Kohli, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, was the chief guest. He said the conference would suggest a roadmap for the application of bioinformatics for ensuring food and livestock security.

He laid emphasis on utilising biotechnology and bioinformatics for promoting innovation in the agricultural sector. “In the era of information technology, the maintenance of biological data is of prime importance for the flow of information,” said Kohli.

The minister stressed removing the hegemony of the Agriculture Department as the nodal department, which results in curtailing of budgetary provisions for the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department of the state.

He also expressed concern at the state being a huge importer of animal products and laid emphasis on making it self-sufficient in animal products. “For that, scientists and the development departments must work in unison,” said Kohli.

Prof Nazeer Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST- Kashmir, the guest of honour, said Bt cotton was a successful example of the use of biotechnology for reducing crop losses and increasing productivity of cotton in India. He said the other successful example of the application of biotechnology was micro propagation of banana plants.