Biotech conference in Hyderabad calls for state-level leadership in advancing crop innovation

A state-level workshop held in Hyderabad called for increased adoption of biotechnology tools such as genetic modification and gene editing to tackle agricultural challenges. Organised by PJTSAU and BCIL, the event brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders

Hyderabad: As climate stress, pest pressure, and stagnating crop yields pose mounting challenges to Indian agriculture, a state-level workshop held in Hyderabad stressed the need for greater adoption of biotechnology tools, including genetic modification and gene editing, to ensure sustainable productivity gains.

The day-long conference, ‘Biotechnology Applications for Crop Improvement: Key Developments,’ brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and industry voices.

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Organised jointly by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) and the Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL), and supported by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), the workshop focused on bridging cutting-edge research with real-world applications in farming systems.

Dr R M Sundram, Director, Indian Institute of Rice Research, Dr Paresh Verma, Bioseeds Division, DCM Shriram Limited, Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, Biotech Consortium India Limited, and Dr Y G Prasad, Former Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, participated.