Dr Jitendra Singh, Science and Technology Minister, inaugurated SPROUT, a new facility at BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research. He stressed the importance of translating modern biotechnology into technologies addressing real agricultural challenges.
Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated a new facility, SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis (SPROUT), at the BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research in New Delhi. The minister emphasized that India is witnessing simultaneous advancements in plant biotechnology as part of BioE3 policy and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that modern biotechnology must increasingly be translated into technologies that can respond to real agricultural challenges, providing tangible benefits to farmers.
Dr. Singh highlighted that scientific advances, particularly in genomics, gene technologies, precision phenotyping, and accelerated breeding, will become increasingly relevant in the years ahead. He pointed out that the country’s biotechnology journey is driven by the convergence of advanced science, technology, and applications addressing agriculture, health, sustainability, and national development.
The minister also called for stronger interactions between scientific institutions, industry partners, farmers, and other stakeholders. He noted that facilities like SPROUT demonstrate how modern biotechnology can contribute to the development of climate-resilient and productive crops, strengthen India’s agricultural capabilities, and support the goal of a more self-reliant agriculture sector.
Source:
Akashvani News
