The Hindu Business Line : TN farm varsity working on Bt brinjal

"The research work is based on supply of transgenic Bt brinjal by Cornell University and the Virginia Technology University, US, for transferring the Bt gene through conventional breeding methods into varieties evolved by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University."

Coimbatore , April 20

RESEARCH work is currently underway at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) for developing new brinjal (egg plant) varieties with Bt gene.

The TNAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr C. Ramasamy, told the Horticultural Scientists Meet that the research work was based on the supply of transgenic Bt brinjal by Cornell University and Virginia Technology University, US, for transferring the Bt gene through conventional breeding methods into varieties evolved by TNAU.

The Vice-Chancellor hoped the new brinjal variety would benefit the small farmers in a big way. A household survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation has indicated that the per capita consumption of cereals was on the decline, while consumption of horticultural products such as fruits and vegetables had risen significantly in the last 15 years. "That there is a growing demand for horticultural produce cannot be denied. Our thrust should be on increasing productivity," Dr Ramasamy said and expressed concern about the lack of focus on dryland horticulture.

"There is enormous potential," he said and called upon the scientists to learn from the experience of the Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra farmers on dryland horticulture. He suggested setting up of special zones for dryland horticulture.

The Director of Research, Dr S. Ramanathan, attributed low productivity to inferior genetic stock, poor management practices and low quality planting material.

Dr E. Vadivel, Dean (Horticulture), disclosed that the University was in the process of undertaking several collaborative ventures to boost the agricultural growth rate in the State. TNAU, he said, was collaborating with China to increase moringa production, with AVRDC (Asian Vegetable and Research Development Centre, Taiwan) to enhance soyabean production. "It is proposed to conduct training programme on supply chain management with the Michigan State University," he added.

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