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Seed research firms and other institutions involved in bio material should have adequate knowledge on the rules and regulations set by the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA), an expert warns.
“If we don’t, you will face difficulties. Scores of stakeholders are seem to be not fully aware of the stipulations,” K Vijayaraghavan, Chief Executive Officer of Sathguru Management Consultant, said.
Addressing a meet on ‘Global Bio safety Management Programme – approach to product development and regulation’ here on Monday, he said ownership issues could pose challenges down the research pipeline.
“If you exchange biological material to your international partner who might have a foreign investor, you could face an issue. Or, if you employ a foreign researcher, you might raise the issue of access (to biomaterial),” he said.
Handling of farmers’ material too was an important issue. “There are some impediments. Unless clarities evolve, you should seek necessary prior approvals,” he cautioned the companies and scientists.
The three-day meet takes stock of the issues in regulation and research around biotechnology in agriculture across the world.
“Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines are on the threshold of accepting biotech products,” he said.
Experts from Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences too shared their experiences with the audience.
> kurmanath.kanchi@thehindu.co.in
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