Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 12: Er Abdul Ghani Kohli, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, inaugurated two-day international conference of the Society for Bioinformatics and Biological Sciences on “Recent Trends in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology for Sustainable Development”, being hosted by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences of Jammu (SKUAST-J), here today.
In his address, the minister laid emphasis on removing the hegemony of Agriculture Department, being the nodal department, resulting in curtailing of budgetary provisions for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments of the State. He expressed concern regarding J&K being huge importer of animal products and emphasized on making the State self sufficient in this regard. For that the scientists and the development departments must work in unison, said Kohli.
Prof Nazeer Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir listed Bt cotton as a successful example of the use of biotechnology for reducing crop losses and increasing productivity of cotton in India. The other successful example of the application of biotechnology is micro propagation of banana plants, he added.
Prof M M S Zama, chairman of the conference, said that around 400 delegates from India and abroad are participating in this two day international conference. The delegates from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Nepal will be presenting their research findings about utilization of bioinformatics and biotechnological advances for crop and livestock improvement.
Prof P W Ramteke, president Society of Bioinformatics and Biological Sciences, lamented the fact that major breakthroughs and discoveries in bioinformatics and biotechnology have not been utilized for sustainable development.
On this occasion, awards of the society were also conferred. Prof Sabar Mohamed Abd Allah from Egypt was conferred with Distinguished Scientist Award for his work on nanotechnology in veterinary sciences. Dr Anish Yadav was awarded Outstanding Achievement Award for his scientific contribution in veterinary sciences and his selection as ICAR National Fellow. Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Prof M M S Zama, Dean FVSc & AH for his distinguished career in teaching research, extension and administration for more than 32 years of service.
Vote of thanks was given by Dr Dhirendra Kumar, organizing secretary of the conference. The proceedings were conducted by Dr V S Wazir.
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