Application of biotechnology in agriculture

Application of biotechnology (biotechnology) in the agricultural sector is considered a breakthrough solution to build our country's comprehensive agricultural development in the modern direction. However, the investment in biotechnology application research is still not commensurate with the potential and meet the demand for agricultural production in the current period.

According to the report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, by the end of 2010, the key program on biotechnology development and application in the field of agriculture and rural development in the 2006-2010 period has been approved for implementation of 90 scientific tasks. study technology (78 projects and 12 pilot production projects), of which 35 topics end in 2010.

Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat affirmed that the research results have created or received and mastered a number of modern biotechnology to be applied effectively, mainly focusing on key areas such as transgenic nature good condition in plant varieties and animal breeds to create high yielding varieties, adapt to harsh weather conditions, be able to withstand disease or create biological products to protect plants and animals feed.

The key program of biotechnology development and application in the field of agriculture and rural development in the period of 2011-2015 has selected to create 42 agricultural crop varieties by molecular indicator technology and cell technology; 33 lines of transgenic plants were created; build processes and produce 8 biological preparations to control nematodes, fungi, bacteria causing root disease in coffee, pepper, cotton, peanuts, sesame, corn, 5 types of biological products used in preserving and processing fresh vegetables and processed foods .

Many localities have applied biotechnology to farming and breeding with high economic efficiency. For example, the implementation of 14 topics for selecting agricultural and forestry seeds by molecular indicator has chosen to create 7 drought-resistant rice varieties, 2 rice varieties with rice blast resistance, and 4 rice varieties resistant to brown planthopper, 2 High quality aromatic rice varieties, 2 varieties of tea with potential for productivity, quality, 8 varieties of green-resistant rice varieties . In the field of animal husbandry, the research results have selected the storage environment Long-term translation, improved embryo technology, embryo transfer, frozen pig and cow embryos in vitro. The use of artificial sperms helps adult cows increase from 180kg / head to 250-300kg / head, the rate of cutting meat increases 1.5 times. Farmers in many localities also apply biotechnology in composting, processing animal feed for cattle and poultry to take advantage of agricultural waste products, reduce input costs .

However, in addition to the research results of biotechnology that have been applied to production, there are still some biotechnology topics that are still experimental, many tasks are slow to deploy, even many are lying in the room. experiment.

According to agricultural specialties, the slow cause of introducing biotechnology applications to agricultural production is still a thin biotechnology research force, investment costs are too low . Meanwhile, some contents The research is extensive covering all aspects of agricultural production. That is not to mention the content-overlapping studies with the state-level science and technology program on biotechnology and conservation programs. Genetic fund managed by the Ministry of Science & Technology .

According to Minister Cao Duc Phat o the characteristics of a country mainly inhabited by farmers, therefore, the government directed to continue implementing the key program on biotechnology development and application in the field of agriculture and rural development in the period. 2011-2015 is absolutely necessary, but must take appropriate steps and ways. Research should focus on selecting and breeding plants, animals and aquatic breeds for high productivity and quality; prevention and control of epidemics of plants, animals and aquatic products; research and development of technological processes in the production, preservation and processing of agricultural products; develop high-tech agricultural production areas .

In order for early research achievements to be successfully applied to the field, to avoid research and to leave " research ", MARD encourages the participation of organizations and individuals of all economic sectors, localities participate in biotechnology research and development activities within the framework of the program; coordinate with management units from the central to local levels and enterprises to organize the inspection, supervision and evaluation of research results and applications into production . Along with that, create conditions for scientific basis for expanding cooperation, organizing training and import of foreign technology and equipment, which has not yet implemented applied research projects in the country.

These industry experts believe that it is necessary to have a preferential and supportive system with high levels for scientific research, thus stimulating the "gray matter" of qualified and enthusiastic cadres. stick with farming.