A new greenhouse containment facility for transgenic crops at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) was inaugurated by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, well-known missile technologist and former President of India, today.

The facility will be part of the Platform for Translational Research on Transgenic Crops at Patancheru campus of the Institute.

Speaking on the occasion, Kalam recalled that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the first successful introduction of a foreign gene into a plant. “There is clear evidence that the use of Genetically Modified (GM) crops has resulted in significant benefits like higher crop yields, reduced farm costs, increased farm profit and improvement in health and the environment,” he said, “and yet there is a heated debate over GM crops.

“No illusionary fears can stop the advancement of what is rational and logical. The solution lies in developing beneficial transgenic crops locally. I find today a historical step taken in this direction. The PTTC will be the birthplace of a new generation of transgenic crops,” he said.

He proposed a list of research missions for ICRISAT, starting with, “For PTTC, the first and foremost task should be development of nutritionally enhanced foods and getting them approved.”

The $6.2 million PTTC, headed by Kiran Sharma, was established jointly by the Department of Biotechnology and Icrisat in 2009, a press release from the Institute said.

The Director-General of Icrisat, William D. Dar, said, a highlight of the event was also the honouring of Kalam as Ambassador of Goodwill of Icrisat in recognition of his foresight, his support of science-based solutions, and his championing of the mission of the institute, a release said.

somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in

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