The Hindu : Karnataka News : Conference to discuss farm technology in north Karnataka

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Conference to discuss farm technology in north Karnataka

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, DEC. 7. The two-day international conference on agri-biotechnology commencing from December 15 at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, will discuss technology suited to the soil in north Karnataka where commercial crops such as cotton, chilly and maize are cultivated.

Speaking to presspersons here on Tuesday, the Minister for Municipal Administration S.R. Morey, who is also in-charge of Dharwad district, said farmers in north Karnataka did not have information on growing quality crops, including horticultural ones, which would give high yield.

India, the second largest cotton grower after China, would face competition from the neighbouring country next year with the advent of free market economy.

Mr. Morey said the farmers could grow chilly with aroma and high yielding cotton using the latest agri-biotechnology. Similarly, the technology should be used to increase foodgrains production. Farm practices had been damaging the cultivated land through various means and by 2030 India might have to import 45 million tonnes of foodgrains, if the trend continued.

The Minister said to bring the farmers and consumers on a par with the rest of the world in adopting modern technology, products and food items, it was necessary to create awareness among them on these issues. It was also necessary to develop human resources in the key sectors relating to agri-biotechnology. Keeping that in mind, the Government had set apart Rs. 5 crores for setting up the Institute of Agri-biotechnology in the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The farmers had to be educated to change the cropping pattern. The institute was operational and the scientists had taken up significant research work.

The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, will inaugurate the conference and the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, will address the gathering.

M.K. Shankaralinge Gowda, Secretary, Information Technology and Biotechnology, said the conference aimed at identifying priorities for agri-biotechnology research in India, challenges for biotechnology development, create awareness about the potential benefits of the technology and address the perceived concerns related to its use by fostering appropriate communication and dialogue among farmers, scientists, regulators, policy makers, food industry, consumer organisations, media and the non-governmental organisations.

Mr. Shankaralinge Gowda said persons of international reputation in the field, leaders of agri-biotech companies and progressive farmers from 27 districts would attend the conference. A major attraction was that a round table discussion among farmers, researchers, industry people and the policy makers.

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