The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : ‘Green revolution peaks in India’

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Sunday, Feb 24, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

‘Green revolution peaks in India’

Staff Reporter

TIRUPATI: Noted statistician Padma Vibhushan C. R. Rao has observed that the purpose of mathematical modelling in biology is to explain and interpret biological phenomena with a view to predict future events. Green revolution in India has reached its peak and research across the world is focused on developing Green Super Rice (GSR) which has traits like improved insect and disease resistance, drought tolerance, high grain yield, less water requirement and superior quality, he noted.

In his inaugural address at the five-day national workshop on ‘Mathematical modelling in biology’ organised by the Sri Padmavathi Women’s University (SPMVV) as part of its silver jubilee celebrations, Dr. Rao spoke on three themes nameely, computational biology and bio-informatics, ecology and physiological fluid dynamics.

Genome research

As India’s wealth is dependant to a large extent on the quality and quantity of rice produced, it should be an active participant on GSR research. “Is there information in the so-called junk DNA? How safe are genetically modified (GM) foods and what should be the guidelines in granting approval to them?

Is the difference levels in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases between Indians and westerners mainly due to genetic differences?”, were some of the questions raised by him on genome research.

He called upon mathematicians, statisticians and ecologists to work on ‘Environmetrics’ to study problems of the environment, disease risks and the determination of hot spots for environmental cleaning.

He dwelt upon the need to have experimental facilities and financial support in Indian universities and research institutions to bridge the technological gap between India and the developed world.

‘A gift’

Referring to the appointment of a committed researcher of Applied Mathematics G. Sarojamma as the Vice-Chancellor of SPMVV, Dr. Rao hailed it as a ‘Silver Jubilee gift’ to the women’s varsity.

Later, Prof. Sarojamma felicitated Prof. Rao and his wife Bhargavi Rao.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University, P.V. Arunachalam, stressed the role of mathematics in understanding complex phenomena of nature and its recent contribution to biosciences, especially in the fields of demography, ecology, molecular biology, genetic code and agriculture. APSCHE secretary M.D. Christopher pointed out that Rs. 2 crore was being earmarked as research assistance per annum in order to encourage universities take up research on social issues.

Dean, School of Sciences, T.Vasanti, welcomed the guests and a professor Leela Ratnam explained the workshop objectives. P. Uma Maheswari gave a formal vote of thanks.

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