2nd INTERNATIONAL RICE CONGRESS- 2006

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2nd INTERNATIONAL RICE CONGRESS-2006 ******************************************************* In This NEWS Bulletin ********************************* 1. Pental panel questions Mahyco Bt brinjal (eggplant) process 2. International Rice Congress-2006 : Any hope for farmers ? quips FARM FRONT Column 3. Biotech is more than GM crops, says IRRI director-general, Robert S Zeigler 4. Grain of truth (speaking out his mind) : PM says GM rice good for food security 5. PM to inaugurate rice congress, Indian scientist to be awarded 6. SRI system - Rice Intensification System promises good dividends to farmers - Close to ORGANIC FARMING 7. Grave sulphur deficiency in Indian soil says TSI president, Robert J Morris - Can ORGANIC FARMING help ? -------- Pental panel

questions Mahyco Bt brinjal (eggplant) process http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142884 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, OCT 9: It seems that the seed company, Mahyco, may have to face difficulties in getting approval for the field trials of its four Bt brinjal hybrids. The expert panel, headed by Delhi University vice-chancellor Deepak Pental to assess the Mahyco’s claims and the concerns raised by NGOs, farmers and consumers’ groups, has started questioning the process of development of the company’s Bt brinjal hybrids and their impact. The 13-member panel was set up by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC).

It has questioned the marker-assisted process for development of Bt brinjal. Mahyco, in collaboration with the seed multinational, Monsanto has inserted Cry 1 Ac (Bt gene) with the help of marker NPTLL and plant virus promoter gene CaMV 35 S through agro-bacterium process of transformation. In this context, the Pental panel has questioned as to why the company did not use more advanced technology of insertion of gene without the help of markers. “We have also asked Mahyco to clarify the impact of the inserted gene,” said a member of the panel. Mahyco had sought largescale field trials for its four Bt brinjal hybrids namely MHB-4 Bt, MHB-9 Bt, MHB-80 Bt and MHBJ-99 Bt. It has claimed that these four Bt brinjal hybrids are resistant to fruit and stem borer, a major pest occurring on the crop. The development of Bt brinjal is part of the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Program-II (ABSP-II) funded by United

States Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by Cornell University. Under ABSP-II, operational in India and Bangladesh in the South Asian region, the Bt technology has been transferred to a number of public and private agencies in the network. The Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) has developed Bt brinjal and has planned to ask for permission for its field trials in early 2007. TNAU’s centre for molecular biology has chosen four elite brinjal genotypes keeping regional preference of brinjal types in the mind. These elite genotypes - CO2, KKM1, MDU1 and PLR1 - are backcrossed to ingress cry 1 Ac gene. Currently we are generating BC3F1 seeds. There are, however, more troubles ahead for the country’s first proposed food crop, Bt brinjal. The Supreme Court in its interim verdict in a writ filed by Aruna Rodrigues and other has asked GEAC not to allow any

further approval for field trials of any genetically modified (GM) crop, till further orders. The writ petition has urged for a moratorium on GM crops.--- FARM FRONT Column IRC-2006: Any hope for farmers ? http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142818 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Monday, October 09, 2006 at 0000 hours IST The mega event, the second International Rice Congress-2006 (IRC-2006), begin today in Delhi. The five-day event, organised jointly by the International Rice Research Institute and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research , is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The theme of the meet is — Science, technology

and trade for peace and prosperity. Rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s population. Asia accounts for 90% of the world’s rice area and 92% of its production. The principal cereal of the wet tropics, Oryza sativa, was derived from wild grass probably native to South and Southeast Asia. In Asia, rice has been cultivated for thousands of years. Carbon dating of rice grains from an excavation in South Korea showed it to be around 15,000 years old — 3,000 years earlier than the previously accepted date for the origin of rice cultivation in China. Keeping in view the importance of the crop to Asia, the organisers have rightly selected the venue and organised an Asian ministers’ round table meeting for the second time. Other events planned in the Congress are — 26th International Rice Research Conference, the second International Rice Commerce Conference and the

second International Rice Technology and Cultural Exhibition. According to the brochure of the Congress, there would be participation by all stakeholders — scientists, government functionaries, traders, exporters, allied industries and producers (farmers?) — from across the world. But how many farmers from different countries would be able to meet the air freight cost, registration fee of $400 and bear lodging and incidental expenses on their own? For the benefit of Indian farmers will there be simultaneous translations in any regional languages ? Anyway, IRC-2006 is a laudable effort in the right time. It gives an opportunity for a debate and discussions on several issues concerning food and livelihood of millions across the globe. The main focus of the Congress is science and technology and trade. Topics to be discussed include genomics and breeding, aromatic rice, GM rice and biosafety, IPR, organic

rice,integrated crop management, water, soil health, input-use, climate change, impact analysis of research and technologies, rural livelihood and gender, seed, post-harvest management, bioinformatics, public-private partnership, regional co-operation and international treaties and conventions. It would be better if the IRC devotes some time in discussing traditional farming systems and also traditional varieties across the globe. Traditional region-specific varieties have been developed by farmers over centuries and have stood the test of the time. Seven traditional saline-resistant varieties of rice grown in Tamil Nadu survived the onslaught of the 2004 Tsunami. There are many such recorded wonders of traditional varieties. Before attempting to develop newer varieties, scientists should study these traditional varieties and its adaptability in similar agro-climatic and soil conditions. There is, however, an ongoing relook at the traditional farming values, if not a total evaluation of the traditional practices across the world, in the name of organic farming, zero tillage, pesticides residue-free food and integrated pest management. Some of these, unlike traditional practices, involves high costs for certification and machinery, which has already overburdened the farmer. Traditional practices have been the most cost-effective and organic manuring have proven to restore soil health and increase productivity. Newly evolved system of rice intensification and another concept —non-chemical management— seems to come closer to traditional practices. Experiences of transgenic crops evolved so far have shown that they are for pest and herbicide resistance and not for achieving a

significant increase in productivity. This technology has become controversial, with reported health and environmental hazards. The instances of unapproved GM rice in China and US slipping into the food chain have resulted in many countries imposing restrictive barriers to rice from these two countries.------- ‘Biotech is more than GM crop’ - IRRI director-general, Robert S Zeigler http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142887 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, OCT 9: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has drawn up an action plan for boosting rice production, keeping in view the likely increase in global demand by 50% by the

year 2050. It has also come out with a new vision statement and strategic plan for 2007-15 with a view to help fulfill the UN millenium development goals. Speaking to FE, IRRI director-general, Robert S Zeigler said, “Application of biotechnology is of course an option, but this does not necessarily mean development of GM rice. Biotechnology has larger areas of applications like marker-assisted selections, use of tools of genomics. The development of traits may not require a transgene.” Zeigler said IRRI has already developed a submergence tolerent rice called Swarna and this variety would soon be given to national research agencies after trials. He admitted a major technological breakthrough in rice productivity would take at least 10 years. The major technological breakthrough, according to him, means increasing the photosynthesis of rice (C3 crop) to the level of of that in maize, sugarcane and sorghum (C4

crop). The increase in photosynthesis power in rice would result in increased productivity. He also admitted less possibility of an substaintial increase in area under rice. Therefore as an alternative option he suggested development of high yielding varieties suited for rainfed areas, salinty, flodd and drought resistant varieties and extension of irrigation facilities to rainfed areas. Zeigler came down upon attempts to patent research tool-kits and processes. He said that only the plant product may be patented.--- Grain of truth (speaking out his mind) : PM says GM rice good for food security http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142883 ASHOK B SHARMA ECONOMY BUREAU Posted online: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, OCT 9: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said we must strike a balance between tapping the biotechnology potential and the ethical concerns given the fact that the growth rate of both production and productivity in rice cultivation had tapered off in recent years. Addressing the 2nd International Rice Congress, he said, “There are some anxieties about the risks associated with new biotechnological products which can at the same time provide food security for the poor.” Taking a consumer angle to the issue, he praised the genetically-modified rice varieties like the Golden Rice, iron and vitamin A rich rice. Dwelling on ethical issues, the Prime Minister said, “In India, rice is more than a mere commodity. It is an integral part of our

civilisation, of most religious and social ceremonies. It is a symbol of festivity and joy.” Singh said concerted efforts should be made to develop rice varieties for submergence tolerance and tolerence for drought and salinity and for wider adaptation to the ongoing climate change. “Rice grown uder irrigated conditions is facing the threat of water shortage. This is forcing a paradigm shift towards maximising output per unit of water instead of per unit of land. Can you come out with technologies that convince farmers to use less water in rice production without compromising on returns?” he quipped. Singh said since the early 1960s, rice production had increased by 2.35% annually which was more than the annual global population growth of 1.76%. This had resulted in an increased per capita availability of rice from below 50 kg in early 1960s to about 62 kg during 2002-04. The adaptation of modern rice

varieties evolved by scientists in 71% area in South and Southeast Asia have resulted in annual gain of over $ 10 billion. “This amount is 150 times the annual investment made in rice research by the international and national research systems,” he said. “What we need is the further application of science and technology to develop the rice economies,” he said. Calling for a supportive policy environment and favourable market conditions particularly for small growers, he said, “We need a multilateral trade regime that enables rice farmers to harness the full potential of their resources and capabilities.” Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar that plans were afoot to bring 3 million hectare lan under hybrid rice cultivation as against one million at present.----- PM to inaugurate rice congress; Indian scientist to be awarded http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142782 ASHOK B SHARMA ECONOMY BUREAU Posted online: Monday, October 09, 2006 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, OCT 8: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is slated to inaugurate the 2nd International Rice Congress here on Monday. On this occasion he will also honour noted Indian scientist and World Food Laureate, Gurudev Singh Kush, who played a major role in developing high yielding varieties of rice. He will be presented with the MS Swaminathan Award instituted by the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS). Kush would be the second scientist to receive the award after the father of the Green Revolution and Nobel

Laureate, Norman Borlaug who received the prize by the President APJ Abdul Kalam on March 15, 2005, said the TAAS chief and former director-general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), RS Paroda. Kush who is also the recepient of Japan Prize in 1987, World Food Prize in 1996, Wolf Prize from Israel in 2000 and China International Scientiffic and Technological Cooperation Award in 2001. At home he was honoured with Padma Shree by the government. The 2nd International Rice Congress is being hosted jointly by The Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and ICAR. The theme of the Congress is - Science and technology and trade for peace and prosperity. About 1400 delegates are expected to participate in the 5-day Congress including 400 foreign delegates. Agriculture ministers from China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam would be

participating in the Congress. About 900 scientific and technical papers would be presented in the Congress. -------------------------------.SRI system - Rice intensification promises good dividend for farmers http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142542 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online : Friday, October 6, 2006 at 0000 IST NEW DELHI, OCT 5: The system of rice intensification (SRI) has come a great boon to farmers who would apply lesser water to the water-intensive crops and get better yields. Rice yields increase in the range of 7 to 15 tonne per hectare, depending upon the region. The system, promoted by the Cornell University is now being practised in limited areas of

Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states. It is likely to gain wider acceptance, according to Norman Uphoff of the US-based Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development. The system of rice intensification achieves improvements in yields and factor productivity by changing some of the plant, soil, water and nutrient management practices. It promotes greater root growth that is easily verifiable and more soil biological activity. Interestingly, the system of rice intensification does not depend upon purchased external inputs like chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Instead, it increase the productivity of the land, labour, water and capital devoted to irrigated rice production by capitalising on existing genetic potential and by biological processes, particularly

in the soil. Speaking from Hyderabad on phone, Uphoff said, “Less than five years ago, this technique was practiced in Madagascar with success. Subsequently it became accepted in 18 other countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, The Philippines, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Laos, Peru and Sri Lanka. In India we are getting the support of the state governments, NGOs, agriculture universities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).” In Andhra Pradesh, the partner organisation in the system of rice intensification programme are the state government, state agriculture university, ICRISAT, WWF and the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA). GV Ramanjaneyulu of Centre for Sustainable Agriculture said, “We are partners in the programme because we believe in non-pesticide management (NPM) and use of organic manure. Our

non-pesticide management programme is being implemented in 18 million acres under the state government’s Indira Kranthi Pratham scheme. Our diector, MS Chari has been invited by the Gujarat state government for implementation of the non-pesticide management programme there.”-------------------------------- 'Grave sulphur deficiency in Indian soil’ http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142405 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Thursday, October 05, 2006 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, OCT 4: A study by The Sulphur Institute (TSI) has estimated that 68 million hectare cropped land or 40% arable land in India suffers from serious sulphur deficiency, causing a deterioration in soil health. In a one-to-one interview to FE, Robert J Morris,

president of the US-based institute, said, “We have done mapping of sulphur deficiency in the soil in India and in other countries. In India, the total application of sulphur should be 2.3 million tonne to correct the imbalance in soil health, but in actual practice only 0.7 million tonne of sulphur is applied each year. Thus, there is a gap of 1.6 million tonne.” The Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) and International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFA) were partners of the study. It brings to fore the imbalance in application of chemical fertilisers in agriculture due to the patronage given to the nitrogenous fertiliser urea over others. There is, of course, a school of thought that gradual switching over to organic farming can restore soil health better and increase productivity. But Morris’s argument centres more round rectifying the imbalance in use of different varieties of chemical

fertilisers as a remedy. The ratio of application of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and sulphur to the soil in India stands disburted at 16.1 : 6.6 : 1 : 1, while ideally it should be 4: 2: 1 : 1. According to Morris, sulphur is the fourth important chemical fertiliser next to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. There are others who believe that not only sulphur deficiency in the soil, but also deficiency of micro-nutrients like zinc needs to be rectified. The TSI study has estimated that if sulphur deficiency in soil is rectified, it would result in a 10% increase in crop yield. In India, 4.3 kg of suphur per hectare are used in farming as compared to 26.1 kg per hectare in China. However China needs to apply 1.9 million tonne more of sulphur to rectify its soil health.---

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