National
`Gene technology will benefit consumers'
By G. Venkataramani
CHENNAI, JAN. 28. ``We are at the dawn of another revolution in agriculture, a revolution fuelled by biotechnology. The developments in gene technology promise new genetically-based advances leading to higher yields and better food quality. Already the biotechnology revolution is of significance in global agriculture. There are transgenic crops of cotton, maize, soyabean and canola, planted in more than 40 billion hectares worldwide,'' said W. James Peacock of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Canberra, Australia.
Delivering the tenth millennium lecture organised by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Hindu Media Resource Centre on ``Genes and the future'', Dr. Peacock underscored the need for appropriate developments in the management of the new technologies. ``Without linked improvements in both genes and management, we are likely to lose any advantage that biotechnology could bring. We will then not have the capacity to meet the demands of food production over the next several decades''.
There are several ways in which gene technology is helping, but the new development of genomics is probably going to outstrip all other technologies. Genomics is a spectacular development, and one that is probably going to underlie virtually all plant breeding in the future. ``In many agricultural systems, for the first time, there will be a real opportunity for integrated management systems''. Dr. Peacock listed the recent developments in gene technology and gave examples of how the new technology would benefit the consumers, farmers and the environment. He presented facts to allay some of the concerns expressed against transgenic plants. The Governments should support public research and public plant breeding to maintain a balance with private companies which have major stake in biotechnology research now. ``The perceived hazards must be evaluated and measured by testing and we have to demonstrate, on a case-by-case basis, whether or not there are any significant risks,'' he said.
``There is a fear that GM (genetically modified) crops will cause reduced biodiversity. This is simply untrue. In fact, gene technology methods are improving our access to naturally existing genetic variation. I think it is very important that this is recognised, particularly as it enhances the value of our germplasm resource collections around the world. We do have to have regulations which require us to test for safety and we need to transmit understanding of the changes and benefits brought about by these technologies. So far, in all cases of GM crops and food, tests show a clear benefit relative to any negative risk,'' he said.
He said that if India keeps up with world science, with the new developments, with searching for understanding, which will generate value-added products, and build the partnerships and the regulatory mechanisms, it will have a profitable and sustainable set of agri-businesses.
M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MSSRF, presiding over the function, said that the potentials of new technologies, which were environmentally safe and socially acceptable should be tapped. He stressed the need for public understanding of the science to gain their confidence, and the importance of media in informing the public and the policy makers about the new scientific developments. P.C. Kesavan, Executive Director of MSSRF, recalled the pioneering research, development and administrative contributions of Dr. Peacock in the field of biotechnology and gene technology.
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