ABLE-AG advocates use of biotech crops

Advocating the use of more genetically modified crops, the Association of Biotech Led Enterprises-Agriculture Group (ABLE-AG) has said biotech crops would help in enhancing yield substantially.

ABLE-AG is an association of biotech companies in India which aims to accelerate the pace of biotechnology in India.

ABLE-AG executive director N Seetarama, pointing at the global hunger index, which ranks India 67 among a list of 81 countries and also fact with introduction of Food Security Bill (which means the country would require an additional 65 mt of foodgrain), said biotech crops was the answer to the burgeoning demand of foodgrains in the coming years. "Along with ensuring higher yields and sustainable food production, agri biotech will enhance farmers’ incomes substantially as has been demonstrated world over.”

Citing cases of Punjab and Haryana, the ED said both states have shown great promise in adoption of new agri-technologies including biotechnology.

"The success of these states can be adjudged by the fact that these two states are on Wednesday producing more than 55% of all cotton grown in this country making India the second largest exporter of cotton on Wednesday in the world.”

Seetaram added now adoption of similar success stories in other major crops of the region like Rice, Wheat is required.

ABLE-AG is seeking greater policy support from the governments to facilitate faster approvals and support systems for the farmers, so that they are able to build upon their successes with technology adoption.