bio event
Policymakers advise industry to be patient, seek cooperation
As per Dr Amita Prasad, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, " People should have confidence on their government. Biosafety capability building project is currently underway. Lot much can be done and we are exactly looking at doing what best possible can be done within the framework.”
“ Currently 85 products are in pipeline. There are objections from the NGOs and 780 comments have been received on the GM Mustard. There is an ongoing SC case. Communication gap is huge. About 21 government institutes are involved. Lot of trust deficit,” she said when asked by a member of audience on the status of the GM Mustard.
Dr S R Rao, Senior Adviser, Department of Biotechnology agreed to the sentiments that there are complications in the communication regarding biosafety regulations. Dr Rao elaborated, " There are lawsuits by the firms even involving the
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Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee( GEAC). Mechanism of communication on genetically modified crops requires recheck. The definition of who consist of public and who actually are the stakeholders need to be reviewed.”
The context of risk within agriculture biotechnology is not defined properly, believes Mr G Ramamohan, Director and Regulatory Policy and Scientist Affairs. " Public perception has been blinkered and driven by the beliefs and emotions which is not correct. Policymakers need to be storytellers," he said.
Dr Suryakumar Srikrishnan, Acting CEO, C-CAMP, stated that no enough biomass is available in India.“ If we convert entire available biomass in India into biofuel yet it won’ t fulfil the goals. Ocean agriculture is an option as terrestrial plants won’ t match the requirements. Biostimulants for plants can help in 45 percent increase. The ICAR institutes are already using it,” he added.
Voice for BT
The late evening session of the first day witnessed VOICE FOR BT, a public speaking contest to encourage undergraduate students from colleges to speak passionately on topics such as biofuels, nutrition and water conservation. The national contest was supported by Novozymes, a world leader in biological solutions. Mr G S Krishnan while anchoring the show called the contest a platform to promote right talent and boost the morale of student community.
While the winner was Mr Adarsh Raj, the first runner up was Ms Sraddha Satpathy. The cash prize
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BioVoiceNews | December 2016- January 2017