(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned `Biotechnology important tool for reducing poverty` published
in `The Hindu` dated 27.11.99; and
(b) if so, reaction of the Government thereto ?
(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned `Biotechnology important tool for reducing poverty` published
in `The Hindu` dated 27.11.99; and
(b) if so, reaction of the Government thereto ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI BACHI SINGH RAWAT)
(a) : Yes, Sir.
(b) : Biotechnology is an important field with its impact already well
established in agriculture, health, environment and industrial development.
It generates tools for poverty eradication and ensuring food, health,
ecological and livelihood security of the poor in particular. The
Department of Biotechnology has funded several R&D programmes to generate
the technology package for societal applications. The aim of this scheme is
to provide employment opportunities to the beneficiaries through proven
biotechnological tools, generate new knowledge and conduct training and
demonstration. The scheme has almost benefitted 20, 000 families in rural
areas. Other programmes of DBT in agriculture, health and environmental
Biotechnology supplement these efforts.