Jaipal Reddy calls for regulation of research in sensitive areas

Hyderabad, Mar 11 (UNI) Union Minister for Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy today called for setting up of a regulatory agency to oversee research in sensitive areas.

Participating in the valedictory session of the three-day 'Agri Bio-Tech 2006' which was held with the theme 'Bio-technology for Sustainable Agriculture and Agro Industry' at the Pragati Resorts on the outskirts of the city, Mr Reddy said research has become sensitive after the atom was divided.

Asserting that the future of humanity depended on research, Mr Reddy said Central and State governments should fund research and there should be some agency to oversee such activities. He however cautioned that the overseeing agency should not hamper research work.

Stating that research in bio-technology was essential because of the growing food needs and dwindling land and water resources making it imperative to increase production and productivity, Mr Reddy said there was need for a second green revolution.

He said the benefits of the first green revolution of the 60s started tapering off by late 90s and the Green Revolution related growth rate in food grain production had completely disappeared by 2003. He said now the country was importing wheat.

Realising the need for ushering in a second Green Revolution, the Union Minister said the UPA government had set up an Agriculture Commission under eminent scientist Dr MS Swaminathan.

Reminding the scientists that India was bypassed during the Industrial Revolution, he said the country should not follow the US and other European countries in the ongoing efforts to usher in revolution in IT, Nano Technology and Bio Technology among other sectors and should make its own contribution. ''We must keep abreast of technology,'' he told the scientific community of 15 countries gathered for the conference.

The minister said the conference was first of its kind and evoked tremendous response from nations far and near.

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