Faridkot lab to start DNA testing of Bt cotton by April
BT COTTON SEED IS SENT FOR DNA TESTING TO LABORATORIES IN OTHER STATES AND RESULTS ARE RECEIVED AFTER AT LEAST SIX MONTHS
FARIDKOT: The seed testing laboratory in Faridkot that caters to the state’s southwestern belt known for cotton production is going to start DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) testing of Bt cotton seed by April with a view to ensuring the quality of seed.
The state agriculture department has initiated the process to purchase the additional machinery required for DNA testing of seed and has spent ₹18 lakh so far. The public works departments (PWD) will renovate contamination-free rooms for the purpose.
The Bt cotton plants are genetically modified by adding toxins into the gene pool. Bt is a group of proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria.
There are more than 200 different types of Bt toxins, each making seeds resistant to different types of pests.
Bt seeds cotton seeds were introduced after massive attack of American bollworm on the desi varieties of cotton in 2005 and 2006. Then, genetically modified cotton seeds of Monsanto were majorly brought in. Later, other companies also launched Bt varieties.
Last year, the state’s first government-run DNA seed testing laboratory was started at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
Earlier, Bt cotton seed was sent for DNA testing in laboratories in other states and results were received at least six months later.
State agriculture director Kahan Singh Pannu said Bt cotton seed’s purity could be confirmed through DNA testing only.
“Since the southwestern Malwa is the state’s cotton belt, this lab will play a significant role in keeping a check on the quality of seed. Last year, the total area under cotton cultivation increased from 2.90 lakh hectare to 3.90 lakh hectare. The area is likely to further increase this season,” he said.
“To ensure the proper functioning of the lab, three agriculture development officers of Faridkot were sent for special training at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi,” Pannu added.
“We have received complaints from farmers that the quality of Bt cotton seeds was not good. We have included transgenic crops right now. In the next step, we will start DNA testing of hybrid crops like maze. We will also start DNA mapping of seeds to identify which DNA band it belongs to that can help us,” agriculture joint director Gurwinder Singh.
LAB HAD STARTED OPERATIONS LAST YEAR
The Faridkot seed testing laboratory got operational in May last year after a long delay. It was set up at a cost of ₹2 crore in 1997.
The DNA testing could not get operational due to various reasons including shortage of staff.
The conventional testing, which includes testing seed quality, germination, purity and moisture, was started.
Eight agriculture officers have been posted at the Faridkot lab with additional charge.
However, the proposal of sanctioned posts is yet to get the government nod.
An agriculture department official said, “With the inclusion of DNA testing, 14 people are needed to run the lab. Around 6,000 samples can be tested in a year if the lab is staffed adequately and then we can really get working.”