The Central University of Jammu (CUJ) today organized a lecture on, “Food Security: Role of Biotechnology” under the Eminent Lecture Series. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Sudhir K. Sopory, Vice Chancellor, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Prof. Sopory said that food was primary requirement for every individual, home, community and nation. The increasing world population has led to increased demand for food and reduced per capita availability of arable land and irrigation water. Besides, most farmers in the developing world have small land holdings, Low soil fertility and crop losses from pests and droughts have reduced harvests to below subsistence levels. Fifty percent of the soils are affected by salinity problem. According to USDA 40% of the soils will be lost due to salinity, said Prof. Sopory. This situation has led to serious food insecurity. India too has to feed 1.2 billion people. In context of nutritional security, India ranks lowest amongst the Asian countries.Prof. Sopory. Underlined that Biotechnology had ability to eliminate malnutrition and hunger through production of crops resistant to pests and diseases, having longer shelf-lives, refined textures and flavours, higher yields, tolerant to adverse weather and soil conditions, and generate employment. However, there is need for government and public-private collaborations to invest in agricultural biotechnology-based companies, researches, or initiatives, in order to make the gene revolution beneficial to developing countries including India.

The Vice-chancellor of CUJ, Prof. Devanand said that genetic engineering or biotechnology is the modern tool that can be used in boosting the production of crops while thanking the speaker for having conceded to his request to deliver the lecture.

Earlier, Prof. D.R. Gupta formally welcomed the speaker and the guests.  and Dr. Bhawna Arora introduced Prof. Sopory.

Dr. P.S. Pathania, Senior consultant, Dr. N.R. Sharma, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Lokesh Verma, Academic Co-ordinator, Prof. Shyam Singh, Deans of the Schools, Heads of the Departments, Faculty and Students attended the lecture and actively participated in discussion. Faculty from the University of Jammu including Prof. Gohil also attended the lecture.

Dr. N.R. Sharma extended the formal Vote of Thanks and Dr. Ballia of the Department of Educational Studies coordinated the programme.