USE HIDDEN POTENTIAL OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES, SAYS EXPERT AT PAU

Ludhiana, June 23, 2017: Dr Kailash Chander Bansal, Former Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, urged the students and the scientists of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to use hidden potential of plant genetic resources. He was delivering a lecture on “Biotechnological Interventions to Promote Use of Plant Genetic Resources in Crop Improvement,” organized by Ludhiana Chapter of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) at PAU today. Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, was the chief guest on the occasion. The deans, directors, heads of the departments, faculty, NAAS fellows and students of the University attended the lecture.

Dr Bansal said, “We are rich in diversity. Genetic diversity is essential for improving crop productivity.” He highlighted the importance of plant genetic resources in food and nutritional security. Further, he observed, “Today, utilization of plant genetic resources is a concern.” Pointing out the low use of plant genetic resources, he said the lack of information on accessions, particularly, of the traits of economic importance; and inadequate linkages between gene banks and users were the major reasons. Dr Bansal stressed on laying emphasis on characterization and evaluation of germplasm; and on promoting the use of plant genetic resources in breeding and biotechnology. To utilize plant genetic resources for crop improvement, pre-breeding is a must, he said. Searching genes of economic importance in plant genetic resources should be continuous effort, he added. Dr Bansal disclosed that NBPGR has characterized and evaluated an entire set of about 22,000 wheat accessions. In addition, large scale characterization and evaluation of chickpea accessions has also been done, he added. Dr Bansal also revealed the launching of National Agricultural Higher Education Project.

Dr Dhillon appreciated the thought-provoking lecture of Dr Bansal. He honoured him with a memento.

Earlier, Dr Navtej Bains, Director of Research, PAU, welcomed the guest speaker and the participants. Giving a brief introduction of Dr Bansal, he said, “Dr Bansal has contributed significantly to plant biotechnology and genetic resources. He has served at eminent positions and is a winner of several prestigious awards and honours.”

Dr P.K. Chhuenja, Professor of Entomology, coordinated the programme. He said NAAS series lecture aims at creating awareness on the role of agriculture sector in social development.