Kochi firm develops technology to use genome editing in crops without modifying genes
Changes tomato colour into yellow using Nobel Prize winners’ method
A group of scientists at AgriGenome Labs in Kerala’s Kochi city has used the popular genome editing technology – CRISPR Cas9 – to change the colour of tomato to yellow and improve its traits.
The breakthrough is important as it demonstrates that genome editing can be used in the country’s agricultural crops to improve traits without using the genetically modified organisms (GMO) technology.
‘Centre’s move on GM crop trials regressive’
Agri-biotech sector fears it may hit fresh investments in farm R&D segment
The agri-biotech sector has termed the Centre’s move to not allow field trials of Bt brinjal or any other genetically modified crops without considering the recommendation of States and union territories as “regressive”.
Industry players said the Centre’s latest move may hit fresh investments in the agriculture research and development and may block new technologies that can help reduce the use of water and fertiliser consumption, considered crucial to fight climate change.
Growing demand in India reason for low global share in organic food trade
Growing demand for organic food products in the domestic market and stringent norms by the importing countries are the main reasons for India’s low share in global trade of organic food.
In a written reply on the trade of organic food items, Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday that while the export of organic products from India has been increasing, India’s share in global trade of organic food is still very low.
