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Sci Tech
Quality silk from spider
AN ONGOING biotech project being conducted by a multinational firm has scientists working on genetic modification of a spider.
This is to ensure better quality silk from the spider which is presumably finer as compared to traditional silk. The project would also focus on increasing the yield of silk spun by the spider.
The project would affect the sericulture industry provided the Indian Government is able to harness its biodiversity mass to develop biotech processes which would help various industries.
"This is just an instance of the enormous implications that biotech research has on developing countries and how a country like India can harness biotechnology to increase its economic growth,'' John Kilama, President, Global BioDiversity Institute, Inc. (GBDI) told The Hindu.
"India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Thailand will steer the biotech revolution given the proactive policies implemented by the respective governments. India, needs to take the lead and have a more open approach in the agri-biotech area,'' Dr. Kilama said.
Transgenic crops or genetically modified crops can help India increase its agricultural production especially in crops such as corn, cotton and staples such as rice and wheat. Citing the example of Nigeria which increased production of bananas and yams and China which increased production of cotton, Dr. Kilama stressed that India should also adopt genetically modified crops into mainstream agricultural techniques of production.
Preeti Mishra
in Bangalore
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