There is a need for political support across the spectrum for promoting safe and responsible genetic engineering research, said M. S. Swaminathan, chairman, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.

He was addressing students at the 35 annual convocation of Anna University in the city on Wednesday.

Over one lakh students received their degrees in various specialities..

Mr. Swaminathan said that the present moratorium on field trials with recombinant DNA material was a serious handicap.

Agriculture is a State subject and it is very important that agricultural universities and State departments of agriculture are involved in the design and implementation of field trials. It takes nearly 10 years for a new variety to be ready for recommendation to farmers; therefore, speed is of the essence in organising field trials and gathering reliable data on risks and benefits, he said.

He added that public sector research and development institutions should give high priority to the breeding of varieties which can help farmers minimise climate and market risks.

M. Rajaram, vice-chancellor of Anna University, said in addition to imparting education, the university is sensitive to the welfare of society.

The unmanned aerial vehicle, dhaksha, designed and developed by the university, joined the rescue team at Moulivakkam, he said.

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