By Ashok B Sharma
India and Australia are likely to create a joint corpus to fund
researches in transgenic crops in the public sector. Crops of common
interest like cotton, wheat, chickpea and banana have been selected.
The two-day discussions between the agriculture scientists of both
countries which concluded in Delhi on Tuesday suggested that the joint
India-Australia agbiotech fund should be set up for a span of 12 years. It
should provide at least $25 million per year for research in developing a
particular trait per crop. Some traits identified for development are
drought resistant, thermo-tolerance, salinity resistant, nutrient use
efficiency and resistance to biotic stresses like insects, fungi and virus.

The scientists from the public sector in both the countries have
decided to make this representation to their respective governments, after
which official-level discussions would follow to pave the way for setting up
of the joint fund for researches in GM crops.

"It is high time that India and Australia cooperate in development of
transgenic crops for mutual benefit," said Gary Fitt, deputy chief, CSIRO
Entomology, Longpocket Laboratories, Brisbane.

The scientists called for putting in place a mechanism under the
proposed fund for rendering freedom to operate. Among other activities
suggested under the proposed initiative include network development,
supporting regulatory passage requirements, FTO analysis, assessing
capability and field trial environment and phenomics.

"The work will be undertaken under regulatory regimes and bio-safety
norms in respective countries," said KC Bansal, professor, NRC on plant
biotechnology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Delhi.

Scientists from both the countries also called for facilitating
material transfers for research and relaxation of the visa regime to allow
frequent visits. Agronomic practices in both the countries would be
evaluated. The fund would also be used to create consumer awareness about GM
crops and food.


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