Press Releases 2004

U.S.-India: Harnessing Science to Serve Agriculture

June 29, 2004

NEW DELHI - The United States and India today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to enhance cooperation in agriculture biotechnology research and development. U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford and Secretary, Department of Biotechnology M.K. Bhan signed the Letter of Intent on behalf of their respective governments. Minister of State for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal witnessed the signing.

The Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will collaborate in sparking partnerships that bring together Indian and U.S. public and private institutions to pursue agricultural biotechnology research projects. This will include technology development, technology diffusion, bio-safety and related policy activities. The program is also expected to include joint workshops, conferences, scientific exchanges and training of scientists.

Drought, salinity and extreme temperature conditions currently afflict many crops grown in arid and semi-arid regions, reducing agricultural production. Specific research projects will address each of these issues. The technologies to be used to achieve the goals will be an appropriate mix of traditional plant breeding approaches and modern biotechnologies.

The program will increase the range of safe and environmentally sound options for producers and consumers of agricultural products by improving productivity, as well as the nutritional quality of crops.

The specific programs to be developed under the program will be guided by the policies and practices recommended by the National Agriculture Biotechnology policies of the partner countries, with an emphasis on the interests of farmers, consumers and the environment.

Implementation of the program is to be governed through an Indo-U.S. Joint Working Group. Operating Guidelines and Principles for the implementation of the Letter of Intent have been defined.