The Hindu Business Line : Avesthagen plants Kodagu orange in Hassan orchard

Bangalore June 10 The famed Kodagu orange is set for a new lease of life. Avestha Gengraine Technologies has said it has acquired 87 acres of fallow land in Hassan to start orchards of the native variety. It has already planted 10,000 saplings.

As the curtains came down on the three-day Bangalore Bio 2007, Dr Villoo M. Patell, Avesthagen's Managing Director and Vice-Chairperson, said that the move would help revive the variety, which is on the verge of extinction.

It would also supply the rind and juice required for its nutritional products targeted at bone health. She did not disclose the investment in the orchards.

Avesthagen has also signed a pact with the Andhra Pradesh Government for additional 50 acres in Genome Valley, the AP biotech park.

Of the company's two manufacturing units in Hyderabad, Avestha Biotherapeutics & Research will produce biosimilars, while Avestha Good Earth will manufacture bio-nutraceuticals or health foods such as muesli and health bars.

FARM PRODUCTIVITY

At the event, Mr S.A. Patil, Director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, called for a gene revolution aided by public-private partnerships to boost crop production.

Karnataka alone could provide Rs 500 crore to promote agri-biotechnology as a measure to save on importing plant genes.

Mr Bandeppa Kashempur, Agriculture Minister, said that the State has adequate scientific resources and welcomed innovative proposals for boosting agriculture.

"We are taking ample measures to propose changes in the agricultural policy. We have a vision of achieving 4.5 per cent growth with the available land in spite of increasing land conversion for industrial and residential purposes."

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Karnataka

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