Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 1: Executive director of the Association of Biotechnology-led Enterprises, New Delhi, Dr Shantu Shantaram, said that the present level of food production in the country is highly insufficient, as compared to the population growth and food requirement of the nation. He stressed the need for farming to turn more technology-oriented. Towards this ended, he felt that it is not right to oppose the introduction of Bt brinjal and Bt cotton, which were recently introduced in the country.
He was delivering lecture on the subject, ‘contribution of biotechnology in agricultural products’, at a programme organized at the new senate hall of Mangalore University on Monday February 28 on the occasion of National Science Day celebrations.
Shantaram said that science has succeeded in effectively meeting challenges of ensuring the growth of agricultural sector. He at the same time, expressed concern about the efforts being made by certain quarters to spread wrong opinions about these developments among the masses.
He said that the scientists are working to produce blue rose, which is not available naturally.
University vice-chancellor, Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, presided, Registrar, Prof K Chinnappa Gowda, welcomed. Prof K R Chandrashekhar was present.