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# AgriTechTalk Experts discuss agriculture biotech scenario on Twitter
In a first of its kind online deliberations organized by the agribiotech company , Mahyco India , industry leaders answered questions from participants
BY BIOVOICE NEWS DESK
Named as # AgriTechTalk , the unique kind of twitter chat that focussed on agriculture , gave an opportunity to bring together various agri-biotech company heads and other stakeholders . The aim was to deliberate on the various burning issues in wake of the recent drought like situations in the various parts of the country , relevance of agricultural tools and technologies and policy issues .
Among the various questions raised by the BioVoice News at the forum , one was whether the lack of focus on ' innovation in agriculture ' has lead to current drought like situation in the parts of country ?
While Dr K K Narayanan , Managing Director , Metahelix , remarked that drought is a natural phenomenon and technology can make us face it better , Dr Usha Barwale Zehr , Chief Technology Officer , Mahyco India in her response mentioned , “ Agriculture is a contributor to our changing climate along with other industries , early intervention may have helped . Now need to focus on what technologies we bring which mitigates and sustains agriculture ”
Organized by Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds ( Mahyco ), one of the leading agri-biotech company from India on Twitter between 1-2 pm ,
Organized by Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds ( Mahyco ), one of the leading agri-biotech company from India on Twitter between 1-2 pm , discussions saw a good number of twitterati from agriculture sector . The quick exchange of thoughts also highlighted the importance of social media as emerging tool for communications . discussions saw a good number of twitterati from agriculture sector . The quick exchange of thoughts also highlighted the importance of social media as emerging tool for communications .
“ I feel that need is to educate urban population . The farmers are already aware of the pros of biotechnology for agriculture ,” felt Mr Vivekanand , a participant in the online twitter chat .
Need for streamlined regulations and modern technologies
The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill too featured prominently in the discussions . Dr Anil Chauhan , Independent Agribiotech Expert lamented the lack of will on part of the government . Calling it reactive than proactive , he remarked , “ There is a need to pass right to technology bill . If the farmers demand it , government will have to bend backwards to accept it .”
“ BRAI bill is pending with the Parliament . Industry is awaiting clearance of BRAI bill which will be good for technology ,” mentioned Dr Ram Kaundinya , Ex Director General , Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises ( ABLE- AG ).
To another question related to use of agricultural technologies , Dr Kaundinya listed out Precision irrigation ( Drip ), Fertilizers application , Mechanization of operations , etc as the options . On the usage of digital technologies , he opined , “ Sensor based data capture in field , drone technology to spray agrochemicals and to capture data , ICT for communication .”
Other viable options that were mentioned by an agri-expert included , Genome Editing , Double Haploid technology , TILLING as some innovations in the agriculture .
As per Mr Ritesh Mishra , a participating guest , “ Increasing productivity is one aspect , also important is reducing storage and post-harvest losses . Significant efforts needed .”
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BioVoiceNews | May 2016