Uttar Pradesh Proposes Genetic Modification to Propel Agricultural Advancement

In a significant move towards modernizing agriculture, the workshop on 'Biotechnology Applications for Crop Improvement' was held in Uttar Pradesh on May 22, 2025. Organized by Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) in collaboration with Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT) and supported by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), the event marked Uttar Pradesh's first formal engagement focused on biotechnology applications in agriculture.

Dr Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager at BCIL, expressed her aim to accelerate biotechnology adoption through proactive engagement and translate research into farm-level impact. The workshop, attended by eminent scientists and institutional leaders such as Dr T.R. Sharma, Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Dr Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Dr S.K. Singh, Dr Bijendra Singh (Vice Chancellor of ANDUAT), and Dr K V Raju (Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh), was a testament to this ambition.

The recent release of two gene-edited rice varieties by the Hon'ble Union Agriculture Minister underscores the way forward, as per Dr Vibha Ahuja. The workshops, being held across several Indian states, aim to raise awareness about biotechnology innovations including GM and gene-edited crops.

Uttar Pradesh, with a GDP of nearly Rs 30 lakh crore, growing at an annual rate of 14%, recognizes the potential of biotechnology in agriculture. International research organizations like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) are currently collaborating with the state to promote the use of biotechnology in agriculture.

The state is also setting up a state-of-the-art seed park spanning 200 acres. Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director of FSII, emphasized the urgency of advancing scientific innovation to mitigate climate change challenges. Experts stressed that Uttar Pradesh's agricultural future hinges on timely, science-driven reforms due to factors like over two crore farmers, shrinking average landholding size, and increasing climate volatility.

Dr Raju urged enhancing yield, diversification to crops like maize and potato, and leveraging biotechnological tools to bridge yield gaps and boost farmer incomes. Experts also called for capacity building of state agriculture officials, agricultural universities, and KVKs for responsible biotech advance implementation.

India is unique due to the close collaboration between the public and private sectors, according to Dr Vibha Ahuja. Sampathkumar believes precision biotech tools can optimize agri input usage and strengthen farmer livelihoods. Pulse productivity in Uttar Pradesh remains among the lowest despite extensive cultivation, and the state contributes nearly 20% to India's foodgrain output but faces major productivity gaps. Rice yields in Uttar Pradesh range from 1.7 to 2.4 tonnes per hectare, significantly lower than Punjab's 6.5 tonnes.

Equipping students and scientists to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in agri-biotechnology was emphasized by Dr Bijendra Singh. The workshop concluded with a shared vision of a sustainable, productive, and resilient agricultural sector in Uttar Pradesh, driven by biotechnology.