Bangalore must be biotech capital

Maharani’s Science College for Women organised the 4th biotech summit on ‘Government institute and industry interaction,’ on Thursday. It was conducted in collaboration with the department of information technology and biotechnology. 

The college will soon be signing an MoU with Monsanto, Association of biotechnology-led enterprises (ABLE), and Strand Life Sciences, to promote bio-workforce development. “Students will be trained by industry leaders to enhance their job prospects,” said Sathya Prema, head of the department of biotechnology, at Maharani’s Science College for Women.

KV Kodandaramaiah, director of collegiate education, said that Bangalore should become the biotech capital of the country. He advised students that their work must benefit the masses, especially farmers. He said that an amount of ` 50 crore has been allocated from the central government for innovative schemes in the state.

Leigh English, director of Monsanto, made a presentation on critical issues. He pointed out that the world food supply would have to double by 2050. Out of 6.8 billion people, over 1 billion go hungry, and the maximum number of those suffering is from Asia, which includes India, he said.