GMW:_READING,_WRITING_AND_ROUNDUP_READY

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GM_Watch <info wrote:Subject:

GMW:_India_and_U.S_to_cooperate_in_agricultural_biotechnology/READING,_WRITING_A\

ND_ROUNDUP_READY

" GM_Watch "

Wed, 30 Jun 2004 22:55:30 +0100

 

GM Watch daily

http://www.gmwatch.org

 

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India's role as GM dustbin continues:

1.READING, WRITING AND ROUNDUP READY

2.INDIA, U.S. TO COOPERATE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

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1.READING, WRITING AND ROUNDUP READY

http://biz./prnews/040623/cgw035_1.html

The agribusiness giant Monsanto will donate $50,000 to the Agriculture in the

Classroom (AITC) Consortium. AITC is a " grassroots program coordinated by the

United States Department of

Agriculture, " designed " to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of

agriculture ... so that they may become citizens who support wise agricultural

policies, " according to AITC's website.

Monsanto said their donation will support " science education and grassroots

efforts that improve the understanding and acceptance of biotechnology. " Other

AITC " Partners, " who are encouraged to make

annual contributions, include the National Cattlemen's Beef Association,

National Mining Association, National Pork Producers Council, CropLife America

and Dole Food Company.

SOURCE: Monsanto Company press release, June 23, 2004

More web links related to this story are available at:

http://www.prwatch.org/spin/June_2004.html#1087963200

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2.India and U.S to cooperate in agricultural biotechnology

New Delhi | June 30, 2004

http://www.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=41871 & cat=India

 

India and United States have decided to increase cooperation in agricultural

bio-technology research and development. A Letter of Intent to this effect was

signed by the Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development Shri

Kapil Sibal and the Ambassador of the United States to India Mr. David C

Mulford.

 

The Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India and the United States

Agency for International Development of the United States of America are the

coordinators of the two countries respectively. The programme will encourage the

creation of partnership to bring together India and US institutions to pursue

agricultural biotechnology research projects of mutual interest including

technology development, technology diffusion, biosafety and related policy

activities. The programme is also expected to include joint workshops,

conferences, scientific exchanges and training of the scientists. Collaborative

activities shall be subject to the laws and regulations of each country and

funding may come from a variety of sources on both sides.

 

The overcharging objective of the programme is to increase the range of safe and

environmentally sound technological options available to the producers and

consumers of agricultural products. The focus of this collaborative effort will

be on improving productivity as well as nutritional quality of our crops.

Currently drought salinity and extreme temperature conditions are experienced by

crops grown in arid and semi-arid regions and these are some of the most

critical factors affecting agricultural production. Specific research projects

to address these issues will be developed. The technologies to be used to

achieve the goals will be an appropriate mix of traditional plant breeding

approaches and modern biotechnologies. It is envisaged that the specific

programmes to be developed will be guided by the policies and practices

recommended by the National Agriculture Biotechnology policies of the partner

countries with emphasis on the interest of farmers, consumers and the

environment.

 

Shri Sibal said that the main objective of this agreement is to develop pest

resistant agricultural produce and to improve food production in the country.

The critical focus will be on the production of rice and wheat. Mr. Mulford

highlighted the relationship between the two countries and said that this

comprehensive agreement will go a long way in helping India to increase its food

production. (PIB)