03/07/2026
ICAR-NIPB convened a brainstorming session under the umbrella of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi, on a highly pertinent topic, “Potential and Policies for Genetically Engineered and Gene-Edited Microorganisms for Use as Biologicals in Agriculture,” on 3rd July at NAAS, New Delhi. The session was chaired by Dr. M. L. Jat, President, NAAS, Secretary, DARE & DG ICAR. The session was also graced by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale. Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, Secretaries of NAAS Dr. A. K. Singh and Dr. B. S. Dwivedi. The session was co-chaired by Professor N.K. Singh, Former National Professor, B.P. Pal Chair, ICAR-NIPB. The program was convened by Dr. R. C. Bhattacharya, Director, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi, and Dr. Debasis Pattanayak, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi, and co-convened by Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Former Chief General Manager, BCIL. There were four technical sessions, which included deliberations by technical experts. The brainstorming session was attended by many scientists, subject experts, policy experts, and regulators from across the globe, including USA, Australia, UK, and Brazil. The deliberations will be summarised in developing a roadmap and a way forward in this important area.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Department of Science and Technology, Government of India