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HomePosts Tagged "Dr Vibha Ahuja"
Agribiotechnology, Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, India, Seeds

Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced over 46 innovative rice seed varieties, boosting resilience and productivity, further reinforcing the role of biotechnology in agricultural sustainability.

Calling the Andhra Pradesh growth story in agriculture and allied sector as exemplary, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.80 per cent, experts attributed most of this success to the widespread adoption of biotechnology which has boosted agricultural productivity. At a workshop held at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Guntur, researchers, experts, and industry leaders discussed advancements in genetic engineering, molecular breeding, and biotechnological innovations for sustainable agriculture.

The workshop was jointly organised by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Lam, Guntur, and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), New Delhi, with support from the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

Water availability will be a major concern for the coastal state of Andhra Pradesh, along with frequent cyclones and flooding. In rice, the largest grown crop, bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae is a challenge. To combat these challenges, researchers from ANGRAU and ICAR National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Delhi, have developed MTU 1232, a high-yielding, flood-tolerant rice variety. Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced over 46 innovative rice seed varieties, boosting resilience and productivity, further reinforcing the role of biotechnology in agricultural sustainability.

Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi, Vice Chancellor, ANGRAU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to agricultural research, citing MTU 1232 as a testament to biotechnology’s impact. “ANGRAU has led the development of resilient seed varieties using biotech tools like MTU 1232 developed using the Sub1A gene, withstands flash floods for 10-14 days and stagnant flooding up to 50 cm for over a month. With an 80 per cent survival rate and yields of 3,792 kg/ha under severe floods and 6,000 kg/ha in normal conditions, it is a game-changer for flood-prone regions,” she said.

Biotechnology’s success extends beyond rice to other crops.  Andhra Pradesh has been a leader in the adoption of Bt Cotton, with 4,73,345 farmers cultivating it in 2023–24. An ICAR-CICR study found Bt cotton increased yields by 3-4 quintals per acre while reducing pesticide use. Such advancements support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

 Ram Kaundinya, Advisor, FSII and Co-founder, AGVAYA, emphasized the role of biotechnology in tackling agricultural challenges. “Biotechnology offers both Transgenic and Non-transgenic solutions. With changing climate conditions and rising productivity demands, biotech innovations are crucial. Bt cotton exemplifies how genetically modified crops boost yields, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods. Other crops of Andhra Pradesh like Maize, Rice, Chilli, Vegetables, Pulses and Oilseeds can get a big boost with the help of biotechnology” he said.

Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, BCIL, highlighted biotechnology’s transformative impact. “The success of Bt cotton underscores its benefits for farmers. Since the introduction of genetically engineered crops in 1996, yields have improved across maize, soybean, cotton, and canola. Gene editing since 2012 has further accelerated crop improvement, offering faster, more precise solutions. Combined with precision agriculture, these innovations can drive the next wave of progress. These technologies undergo rigorous testing and stringent regulatory studies before they are approved. Farmers and consumers are encouraged to adopt them on a large scale as they are absolutely safe,” she said.

The workshop covered genome editing, pest and disease resistance, soil health, and the economic benefits of biotechnology for smallholder farmers. Experts stressed the importance of investment, policy support, and farmer education to unlock biotechnology’s full potential.

Between 2020 and 2024, the state introduced

Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, India, Opinions, Seeds

Experts discussed about crucial role of Public-Private Partnerships for Biotech in agriculture at workshop, organised by the University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur Karnataka, and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), and supported by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII).

 The Union Budget’s strong focus on agriculture aims to drive transformative change, with key initiatives like the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, expanded seed availability, and a push for cotton productivity. Recognizing biotechnology’s crucial role in this growth, experts convened to discuss its impact on boosting yields and farmer incomes.

The workshop, a collaborative effort by the University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur Karnataka, and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), and supported by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) brought together renowned researchers and industry leaders to explore the critical role of biotechnology in developing crop varieties that are high-yielding, resilient to pests, diseases, and the impacts of climate change. The workshop was organised at the University of Agricultural Science, Raichur, Karnataka.

“The government’s push for technology-friendly reforms in the recent budget is a crucial step toward agricultural modernization. Bt cotton has already demonstrated the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in India. To fully realize this potential across a broader range of crops, it is imperative that we have a supportive regulatory environment at both central and state levels,” said Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, Biotech Consortium India Limited. “Emerging regulatory policies for agri-biotechnology must facilitate responsible innovation, building on the lessons learned from Bt cotton, while ensuring that farmers have access to improved seeds and technologies.”

Dr Ahuja’s highlighted the need for a robust regulatory framework to support the development and commercialization of biotech crops. Experts also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and ensuring that the benefits of biotechnology reach smallholder farmers.

“GM crops, including the highly successful Bt cotton, have demonstrated their potential in ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity across the globe. Aligning with the government’s larger mission, the adoption of genetically modified crops in India can contribute significantly to improving yields, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring food security,” said Dr Paresh Verma, Head AAI, Executive Director, Bioseeds Division, DCM Shriram Limited.

Additionally, he advocated for the integration of gene editing with modern agricultural technologies like precision agriculture. “With advancements in genetic engineering and gene editing, Indian agriculture stands at the cusp of a breakthrough that can enhance both productivity and sustainability. Leveraging these technologies alongside precision agriculture tools such as drones and data analytics will provide farmers with smarter, more efficient solutions to tackle climate challenges and pests,” he said.

Appreciating the efforts of FSII and BCIL, Dr M. Hanumanthappa, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur said, “The University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, is proud to host this workshop along with FSII & BCIL, which will serve as a platform to build consensus on the adoption of GM technology in Indian agriculture. With the government’s financial backing for precision agriculture and climate-resilient seeds, now is the time for the industry to collaborate and accelerate the deployment of these technologies to improve farmer livelihoods and strengthen national food security.”

Experts are expecting these insights to contribute significantly to the development and adoption of innovative seed technologies, ultimately empowering farmers and strengthening India’s agricultural sector.  The commitment to advancing biotechnology research and its application in Indian agriculture remains strong, with a clear focus on building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all stakeholders.

Experts discussed about crucial role of Public-Private