Friday, 20 June 2025
Workshop underscores role of GM and Gene-Edited crops in sustainable farming; FSII & BCIL advocate for State-Level policy support
As Uttar Pradesh ramps up efforts to boost agricultural productivity, technological innovation is being positioned as a key catalyst for growth. At a state-level workshop titled ‘Biotechnology Applications for Crop Improvement’, held at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Dr. K V Raju, Advisor to the Chief Minister, laid out an ambitious roadmap for agricultural modernization anchored in science and advanced technologies.
Uttar Pradesh has witnessed significant economic growth over the past eight years, with the state’s GDP reaching nearly Rs 30 lakh crore and growing at an annual rate of 14%, said Dr. K V Raju, Advisor to the Chief Minister. “Agriculture remains a cornerstone of this progress. However, stagnant productivity in key crops such as rice and wheat is a growing concern. We must harness the combined scientific expertise of both public and private sectors to drive the next transformative wave in agriculture,” he noted.
Speaking at Uttar Pradesh’s first-ever state-level workshop on biotechnology applications in agriculture, held at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Dr. Raju outlined the government’s vision to modernize agriculture using cutting-edge science and technology. The event was organized by Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), in partnership with ANDUAT and supported by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).
Dr. Raju emphasized the need to increase crop yields, promote diversification—encouraging farmers to shift from sugarcane to crops like maize and potato—and employ biotechnological tools to close yield gaps and improve farmer incomes. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with major international research organizations and announced plans for a 200-acre state-of-the-art seed park, stating, “Uttar Pradesh’s potential in agricultural biotechnology is unmatched, and the government is fully committed to these initiatives.”
Despite contributing nearly 20 per cent of India’s total foodgrain production, Uttar Pradesh faces significant productivity challenges. Rice yields hover between 1.7 and 2.4 tonnes per hectare, lagging far behind Punjab’s 6.5 tonnes. Pulse productivity also remains low despite widespread cultivation. Experts at the workshop pointed out that rising pest and disease pressures are increasingly limiting the effectiveness of traditional breeding methods.
Similar workshops are being held across various Indian states to promote awareness of biotech innovations, including genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited crops. This event marked a milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s formal engagement in the biotechnology sector.
Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director of FSII, stressed the urgency of embracing scientific innovation. “Delays are not an option. We must adopt technologies that help address climate change challenges. The focus goes beyond production — it’s about sustainability,” he said. Sampathkumar highlighted that precision biotechnology can optimize input usage and ultimately strengthen farmer livelihoods.
Participants called for enhanced capacity building among state agriculture officials, universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to equip them with the scientific knowledge and communication skills necessary for responsible biotech implementation. While the central government has paved the way for certain biotech crops, state-level acceptance remains crucial, making such workshops vital.
Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager at BCIL, noted, “While regulatory challenges surrounding GM crops are being addressed, our goal is to fast-track biotechnology adoption through active engagement. Significant research is underway in Indian labs, and it’s time to translate this into tangible benefits at the farm level.” She pointed to the recent release of two gene-edited rice varieties by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan as a positive step forward.
Highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent, Dr. Bijendra Singh, Vice Chancellor of ANDUAT, stated, “Empowering students and researchers with advanced knowledge is key to positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in agricultural biotechnology.”
