Genomics to rule agri sector: Expert

Kochi: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Ramasamy has said that farming in the country is heading to embrace the world of agriculture genomics where plants and animals are examined and assessed at their DNA or genetic level.

“From precision farming where all sowing, watering, fertilising, harvesting of crops and breeding, growing and yielding of livestock are technology assisted and monitored, our agriculture sector is heading to genomics. This would restructure and immensely improve the productivity and sustainability in crop and livestock, striking the most needed balance between conventional, organic and traditional farming,” said Mr Ramasamy while inaugurating Kerala’s first genomics lab for agriculture and animal sciences, AgriGenome Labs at SmartCity in Kochi.

“We need to feed a growing population and at the same time deal with the changing climate, environmental pressure, concerns about health and food safety and ensure sustainable development.  Advances in genomics have opened up new agricultural practices offering targeted breeding of crops, livestock and fishes with desired genetic traits like higher production, faster growth, heat or cold tolerance, disease resistance and reduced pesticide usage,” he said.

“As opposed to studying of individual genes, today’s biotechnology offers a complete picture of how genes work together, which enable scientists to analyse, interpret, mark and use them.  Looking at the genome, scientists can determine the purity of a breed or hybrid and whether a plant or animal has the desired characteristics. Molecular breeding technology has thus eliminated long drawn out conventional breeding programmes with knowledge based faster breeding,” Dr George Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, AgriGenome Labs, said.

“The lab at Kochi is equipped to offer a wide range of services which includes trait mapping, diversity analysis,  population genetics, parentage verification, DNA fingerprinting, genetic purity assessment, hybrid purity analysis, mapping of complex traits, marker-assisted selection and immunodiagnostics.”