NBPGR
The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has added another
feather to its cap! After pioneering the creation of genetically modified potato
with enhanced protein content, scientists at NBPGR have developed transgenic
rice having higher level of proteins.
The
gene inserted was AmA1 of Amaranthus (the same that was inserted in potato).
AmA1 gene has been added to five rice varieties cultivated in India, including
IR-72 and Pusa Basmati. Rice normally contains about seven percent protein and
the gene addition is expected to improve the amount of protein and also the
amino acid content. But farmers will have to wait for at least a year before
they can grow the GM rice, as it has yet to be cleared by the GEAC.
The Bureau scientists are now working on inserting the AmA1
gene into cassava and sweet potato, staple food of many poor people around the
world, which are carbohydrate rich and protein poor. Established in 1976, NBPGR
acts as the national nodal institute for acquisition and management of
indigenous and exotic plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and to
carry out related research and human resources development for sustainable
growth of agriculture. It strengthens plant genetic resources management by
maintaining a national database and networking with national active germplasm
sites (NAGS), molecular characterization of promising genotypes, regeneration of
plant material, introduction of elite genotypes, development of core collection
and utilization of the genetic resources.
Besides this, NBPGR has the authority to issue import permits
and phytosanitary certificates. The bureau has the power to conduct quarantine
checks on all seed materials and plant propagules (transgenic material) imported
from abroad for research purposes.
Informing more about the bureau, Dr BS Dhillon, director,
NBPGR said, "Over the years, priorities on Indian agricultural structure
have been changed a lot. We have seen the green revolution, now another
challenge is knocking our doors. To meet these new challenges we are committed
to undertake introduction, exchange and quarantine of plant genetic resources.
Characterization, evaluation, documentation, conservation of crop genetic
resources and promotion of their use, in collaboration with other national
organizations, is also an area where we at NBPGR are working."
He added, "Developing an information network on plant
genetic resources is urgently required and we have accepted this challenge.
Apart from this we conduct research, undertake teaching and training, develop
guidelines and create public awareness on plant genetic resources. "
With the advent of "New Policy on Seed Development"
in 1988, mandatory requirements of issuing import permit before import of any
seed/plant material in the country and ensuring phytosanitary standards was
introduced. Based on its scientific strength and capabilities, the Bureau was
identified as a nodal agency at the national level for this purpose. Also, to
document the performance of promising germplasm and promote their exchange and
use, the ICAR started the registration of potentially valuable plant germplasm
at NBPGR.
Optimistic of the biotech applications in agriculture, Dr
Dhillon felt that there is a need of more effective interaction within research
community as well as with the industry representatives.
One of the key facilities at the bureau is the national
research center on DNA fingerprinting. This was started in 1996 and since then
it is working on developing experimental protocols and fingerprinting the crop
varieties. Dr JL Karihaloo, project director and center in-charge said,
"With the advent of molecular techniques for genotype characterization, it
is strongly felt that DNA technology has tremendous potential in resolving cases
of infringement of breeders and farmers rights and is also useful in assessing
quality of plant material."
It is notable that NBPGR has successfully implemented the
Indo-USAID (1988) and Indo-UK (1989) projects to develop human resources and
strengthen the conservation facilities at its headquarters and the regional
stations. Talking about another facility at the bureau, Dr Dhillon said,
"Established in 1996, the National Genebank (NGB) facility of NBPGR
consists of 12 long-term storage modules with a storage capacity of 1 million
seed accessions. Well-equipped cryo preservation and in vitro conservation
facilities were developed to cater to the conservation of recalcitrant seed
species and vegetatively propagated materials supported by the Department of
Biotechnology. The NGB ranks fourth in the world in terms of germplasm
holdings." "For strengthening the conservation activities at the
regional stations, germplasm storage modules were installed and made operational
at seven stations namely Akola, Bhowali, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Shimla, Shillong
and Thrissur during 1995-2002," he added.
Keeping in view the strength and stature acquired by NBPGR
over the years, ICAR has approved seven sub-projects of national importance
under the World Bank aided National Agricultural Technology Project to it. Of
these, two mission-mode sub projects started in 1999, namely, "Sustainable
Management of Plant Diversity [NATP (PB)]" and "Household Food and
Nutritional Security" were included in the Prime Minister’s coveted Jai
Vigyan National Science and Technology Mission.
The Bureau is moving in tandem with the developments
occurring globally. To have access to the latest information, a separate unit
for computerized documentation namely Agricultural Research Information Services
(ARIS) was set up in 1997. All the labs of headquarter and regional stations
were connected by e-mail, and a home page was created. Complete automation of
the library was also done.
Recognizing the importance of plant genetic resources as a discipline, the
Bureau in collaboration with the Postgraduate School, IARI started a MSc degree
course in 1997 on this subject. For its dedicated and meritorious services to
the nation, NBPGR was conferred the Best ICAR Institute Award in 1997.
| "Integrated
effort needed for the industry"
 At
NBPGR, issues like importing germplasm, conducting quality checks of
imported transgenic material are decided, which are crucial for the
industry. Today when expectations run high and challenges have taken a new
shape Dr BS Dhillon, director, NBPGR, is all set to face them with a
focused approach. Discussing this and much more with BioSpectrum, Dr
Dhillon expressed his thoughts and ideas about the country’s agriculture
scenario.
How has been NBPGR’s
experience in maintaining the quality of imports of plant material,
germplasm and transgenic material? What are the challenges that it faces?
Plant quarantine is high on our mandate. Maintaining
the quality of imports is a big challenge in itself. We are very alert in
checking the quality standards, especially in transgenics—we look for
any terminator genes. At our bureau, we have world-class facilities for
conducting these checks. The major challenge ahead of us is the wrong
publicity spread about transgenics and export of germplasm. So far India
has secured its diversity unlike any other developing nation which is a
very motivating fact. But we need to focus on our growth. The division of
plant quarantine, which is responsible for maintaining quality of such
imports in India, consists of experienced scientists and well-trained
technical staff in the disciplines of entomology, nematology and plant
pathology (bacteriology, mycology, virology). There are well-developed
procedures for a systematic and step-wise quarantine processing of
germplasm in the well-equipped laboratories for each discipline. The most
important facilities include soft X-ray plant, vacuum fumigation system,
multi-gas detector, ambient air analyzer, hot water treatment,
ultra-centrifuge, UV spectrophotometer, ELISA reader, deep freezer, etc.
What have been the recent
developments at NBPGR?
Last year, under the plant exploration and collection
of germplasm program a total of 141 plant explorations were undertaken
across the country and 7,693 collections were made comprising of germplasm
of horticultural crops and their wild varieties. Under the quarantine
processing and clearance of germplasm we processed 89,916 samples of
various crops for quarantine clearance. Out of these samples the imported
samples were about 83,662 and only 6,254 were exported. These samples
included true seeds, rooted plants, tissue culture plantlets, etc. Apart
from these we are also focusing on our center’s work on DNA
fingerprinting. We are working on maintaining the DNA fingerprinting
database and statistical analysis package.
How are the ifs and buts on
trangenics affecting the Indian industry?
It is critical to reply to this, being the
representative of this bureau. Growth has been affected in a negative way
by the objections and hurdles, which came across India’s first
transgenic experience in the case of Bt cotton. Proper screening is
essential in the case of transgenics and we have to follow the guidelines.
But even after that, we need to consider the first hand feedback from
farmers. We need to consider the Indian point of view also in transgenics.
Moreover, I think in India, transgenics are in the primary stage, we are
late starters as compared with other developing nations but we are not bad
starters.
What are the efforts
required for increasing the pace of growth of the Indian agricultural
industry?
First of all, we need to tap the upcoming trends in the
industry. Innovative ideas are required for this sector. But most of all,
an integrated effort is needed among the scientist community. I think, all
the ICAR institutes should come forward and exchange their ideas with each
other for the growth of the industry. Linkage, in terms of industry and
academicians, is important. I think that this part is still lacking
somewhere. Decentralized structure can also improve the situation of the
Indian agricultural scenario.
How much has NBPGR
contributed towards maintaining these linkages?
We have developed a good network with different
divisions of ICAR, IARI, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research and
various other ICAR institutes. We have strong links with DBT, DST and Dept
of Environment and Forests, various other agricultural universities,
research foundations and NGOs for several collaborative programs. Apart
from this, NBPGR is in touch with international agricultural research
centers, FAO, UN Development program, World Bank and several other
organizations dealing in genetic resources.
Since plant quarantine is
one of the major thrust areas at NBPGR, what are the on going projects in
this division? What are the challenges that lay ahead?
There are many projects going on at the moment.
Quarantine processing of germplasm under exchange and supportive research
is an eminent thrust area at the bureau. We are also focusing on seed
health testing, especially the germplasm of various
agricultural/horticultural crops for pest-free conservation. The national
containment/ quarantine facility for transgenic planting material is also
doing well at the quarantine division of NBPGR. Apart form this, diagnosis
and development of seed certification protocols for management of seed
transmitted viral diseases of grain legumes is another focus area. In
terms of challenge, we need to deliver the allotted work on specific
deadlines. In fact, delivering the research at right time is the biggest
challenge ahead of us.
What do you foresee in the
future for the Indian bioagri industry? How is it going to develop in the
coming years?
The Indian bioagriculture industry is growing, but at a
slow pace. It has to upgrade its strengths. Although there are lot of
potential in India, but we need to tap that strength. The past few years
have not shown any substantial increase in India’s bioagri segment of
industry, but it can be assumed by looking at today’s scenario that
things are catching up. The coming years will witness good growth in this
segment.
Faiz Askari |
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