The Centre for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and Biotechnology Consortium India Limited, New Delhi jointly organized a one-day workshop on “Genome Editing in Agriculture: Opportunities and Enabling Policies”.
Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi in her introduction speech, emphasized the application of genome editing in the pharmaceutical and plant industry.
Dr. M. Ramasami, Chairman, Rasi Seeds (Pvt.) Ltd., Attur highlighted the potential gaps in production and productivity of important food and cash crops in India when compared to the global scenario. Genome editing is an upcoming promising tool for improving agricultural productivity.
Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi in his special address, indicated about two mutations in rice and wheat resulted in a green revolution in India. He explained the barriers to the development of new varieties by intergeneric/interspecific crosses and the barriers were overcome by adopting genome editing technology.
Dr. N. Senthil, Director, CPMB&B, TNAU, Dr. R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar and Dr. E. Kokiladevi, Professor & Head, Department of Plant Biotechnology were present at the workshop.
