The Hindu Business Line : 3 Indians among top 12 agri biotech pioneers

THREE Indians have been named among the top 12 pioneers in the rapidly expanding field of agricultural biotechnology. Among the pioneers are two Nobel laureates, including Dr Norman Borlaug.

According to the Washington-based Council for Biotechnology Information, the distinguished scientists explored the potential of conventional plant breeding and biotechnology to feed a growing population as also improve yields and protect the environment.

Some of the top 12 pioneers are also likely to take plant biotechnology to the next step, providing consumers with higher quality, better tasting and more nutritious foods.

Dr Gurdev Khush, the famous rice breeder from the International Rice Research Institute in Manila (who retired last year) is a long-time devotee of rice. He contributed significantly to the development of the body of research fuelling the biotechnology developments in rice.

Dr C.S. Prakash, Director of Tuskegee University's Centre for Plant Biotechnology Research, oversees the research on food crops of importance to developing countries and the training of scientists and students.

In addition, he is actively involved in enhancing the societal awareness of food biotechnology issues around the world.

Mr Surinder K. Vasal, a distinguished scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Bangkok, has made significant contribution to the development of agronomically acceptable `quality protein maize'.

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