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A.J. Vinayak

Karwar , Dec. 21

PARTICIPANTS at the technical session on `Biotechnology and bioinformatics' at the Coastal Investors' Meet in Karwar in Karnataka have felt that Indian agri-business sector could effectively use micro-propagation technique in areas such as floriculture, horticulture, and in growing medicinal and aromatic plants to increase their market potential.

Referring to the export potential of medicinal plants, Dr P.S. Rao, Vice-President of Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, said that countries such as Hong Kong, China, Japan, and Germany import medicinal plants worth Rs 4,205 crore from India. He stated that Taxus wallichianna, a rare species having anti-cancer compound, was wiped out of the region because of its indiscriminate exploitation.

One g of taxol, the medical compound obtained from the plant, is required to cure a person, and three to six trees were cut to obtain the compound.

Stating that there has been a good demand for taxol, he stated that nearly 1.5 million trees have to be harvested. Biotechnology could be effectively used in the propagation of the species, he added.

Referring to the demand for vanilla in the world market, he stated that tissue culture could be effectively made use of in its cultivation.

Dr Doreswamy, Advisor, Sri Ramco Biotech, Chennai, who dwelt on commercial plant tissue culture in India, felt that coastal areas such as Karwar should stress on establishing agri-biotechnology agencies.

Entrepreneurs should not expect immediate returns from this sector as this sector has long gestation period, he added. However, commercial plant tissue culture is a viable option to exploit the overseas demand for these plants.

Prof Sudarshan, Dean of Indian Business Academy, Bangalore, who spoke on `Requisites for biotechnology ventures in coastal Karnataka', stated that venture capitals should provide funds for the development of this sector.

Referring to the difficulties in the implementation of gene therapy, he stated that there should be a legislation to develop biotechnology. The legislation should not stifle its main purpose itself, he said. Prof Sudarshan urged the Government to rationalise duty structure in connection with biotechnology units.

Mr Mallireddy, Chairman, Biogenus of the US, stated that coastal areas could effectively make use of biotechnology in shrimp farming.

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Call to use biotech to boost medicinal plants cultivation

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