<p>Horizon scanning is well-suited to the study of frontier technologies and innovation. In the case of Southern Africa, it is important to consider not only what is scientifically or technically possible,
National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) will undertake eleven new research projects from next month. NIBGE sources mentioned that among these projects include, Cloning of cellulase genes for ethanol production from plant biomass, Chloroplast-based over expression of pharmaceuticals to develop cost-effective therapeutics, cloning, expression and characterisation of INGAP encoded gene: A prospective means of Amelioration of diabetes, Engineering and production of re-combination proteins for the diagnosis and control of hepatitis B virus infection, Bio-control of Pathogenic infection through competition using plant growth promoting Rhizo bacteria, Identification and Characterisation of ACC deaminase gene in specific PGPR (Plant Growth) promoting Rhizo-bacteria, Gene mining slides on extermorphilic micro-organisms using integron specific probes, Finding single Nucleotide polymorphism in cotton genome, Gene pyramiding through genetic engineering for increased salt tolerance in wheat, control of mealy bug in Pakistan and improving crop salt tolerance through genetic engineering. Out of these 11 projects, Higher Education Commission (HEC) has funded 5 while Ministry of Food and Agriculture will provide funding for 2 projects. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Pak-US and Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) will fund the remaining projects. Copyright Business Recorder, 2008
The Central Silk Board (CSB), the apex body of the Indian sericulture industry, is involved in developing new hybrids to improve bivoltine silk production in sub-tropical Northern India. Among northern states, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal are the traditional bivoltine silk producers in the region. Despite more potential for bivoltine silk in these states, their combined contribution remains low, when compared to other states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. One of the major reasons for such a low production is lack of region-specific and acclimatised productive hybrids, CSB officials said. Currently,
The Tamil Nadu Agricutlural University (TNAU) has denied that its trial on Bt brinjal is based on an MoU or an agreement with private seed companies like Monsanto and Mahyco. Reacting to the remarks mady by Selvam, secretary, Erode Organic Farmers Collective, the TNAU said Genetically Engineered (GE) trials were being conducted in more than seven agricultural universities across the country on the instruction of the Centre. The GE trial in TNAU is a network research project in which many universities and research centres are involved. The GE research is closely monitored by the ICAR. The allegation that cultivation of Bt cotton or Bt brinjal will affect the soil adversely is totally unscientific and wrong. It is also wrong that Bt food is a slow poison. Moreover, the farmers can grow Bt brinjal without applying pesticides, an offi cial release said.
The core point in your story Sane Cow Mi/let (Feb 11) is off the mark as it seems to convey that marker assisted breeding, (mab) is not genetic modification, thus is less risky than GM technology. Agreed, mab is more refined than conventional plant breeding, but it still is GM technology
Even as the issues of Genetically Engineered (GE) paddy crop raised at Alandurai village here last year are still fresh in the minds of farmers and environmentalists, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has came in for severe criticism for raising Bt Brinjal using the GE technology in its premises on a trial basis. A handful of farmers and environmentalists under the banner of Tamizhaga Velan Kappu Kuzhu (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Protection Committee) entered the Bt Brinjal trial field inside the university campus without obtaining prior permission and shouted slogans against it holding placards on Friday. Vice Chancellor Prof C Ramasamy and scientists as well as the police were clueless as what to do as the majority of the activists belonged to Pasumai Thaayagam (an environmental wing of PMK. The activists stuck a banner on the entrance board of TNAU, which read the university is owned by Monsanto, a multinational company. The university has raised the Bt brinjal crop on experimental basis for Monsanto company. The university employees removed the banner on the instructions from higher authorities. R Selvam, coordinator, Erode District Organic Farmers Federation, and Sathirya Sekar of Pasumai Thaayagam, who were part of the agitating group, said that last year the same company had done the trials of Bt rice at Alandurai village in Coimbatore. They alleged that the TNAU is working for the profit of multinational company contaminating the soil and health of the people. When contacted, V-C Ramasamy said that a group of persons entered the university fields without permission creating unnecessary problems. He said that Bt cotton is a hundred percent success across the country. Following Bt cotton cultivation, the production has increased by an additional 100 lakh tonnes, he said, adding that the university is using the global technology with clear permission and sending a report to the Centre.
The Supreme Court today asked the central government to co-opt two eminent scientists in the 29-member Genetic Engineering Approval Committee while granting permission for open field trials for genetically modified food items. The Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan named Nobel prize winner and agriculturist MS Swaminathan and former vice-chairman of the Knowledge Commission, PM Bhargav. They shall be present at the meetings of the committee to add transparency to the proceedings.
The Indian Council of Medical Research along with Review Committee on Genetic Modification (RCGM) and Genetic Engineering Approval Committee is formulating protocols to assess the safety of food derived from genetically engineered crops. "The new set of protocols is aimed at the stage prior to the making of a GM seed.
Agriculture ministers of 10 <font class="UCASE">eu</font> countries voted against the approval of three genetically modified (<font class="UCASE">gm</font>) varieties of maize for use in the European market on September 26, but failed to block it. The move reflects divisions among <font class="UCASE">eu</font> nations over whether <font class="UCASE">gm</font> crops pose a risk to health. <br>
The apex court nod to GM seed trials raises issues. GM seeds: Trial's not yet over
The European Commission has expressed its concern to China over unauthorised imports of genetically modified (gm) rice protein for use in animal feed. In a statement, the commission said that gm
