MANGALORE: The food security will largely depend on the fisheries sector as green revolution is slowing down, and biotechnology has to be used cautiously, said experts at the four-day international workshop organised by the Fisheries College, Mangalore, here on Monday.

The workshop is being organised by UNESCO Microbial Resources Centre and sponsored by American Society for Microbiology and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Former consultant to FAO M.N. Kutty, who attended the inaugural session, said food deficit and food security were different issues and with agriculture growth rate slowing down, it is time to replenish marine life through biotechnology.

Dr. Kutty said while water sources for agriculture are under threat, seas can provide food resources, and biotechnology can be used extensively to promote food security. Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, R.N. Sreenavas Gowda, who presided over the inaugural function, said green revolution growth has come down to 1.5 per cent from 5 per cent in the past few years, and foodgrains are being imported.

Mr. Srinivasa Gowda said animal protein propagation should be taken up to ensure food security. He said India is the fourth largest producer of eggs and meat, second largest producer of fisheries and has highest production of milk.

The former Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University E.G. Silas inaugurated the workshop.

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