Soldiers fighting extreme cold conditions in Siachen can now grow
tomatoes in the higher plains. After detailed research in the field, the
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has succeeded in
developing transgenic tomatoes for supplying to the soldiers in Siachen
belt.
According to a DRDO, it has already identified cold tolerant gene
?osmotin? and has conducted various tests and is awaiting clearance from
Department for Biotechnology for the commercial release of the tomatoes in
2008.

The supply of ordinary tomatoes to Siachen was not easy since it
totally depended on weather conditions and availability of copters and
trucks.

Again, the transportation cost for one kg of tomato was around Rs 30
at a time the product was available for Rs 5 per kg in the market.

According to DRDO, this was on top priority of the organisation to
support the soldiers in Siachen, who are at an altitude of 20,000 feet.


[economictimes.indiatimes.com]