Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Agriculture
Why in News?
The Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI) is collaborating with international stakeholders to enhance cooperation in biological agriculture regulations, research, and technology.
- BASAI is pursuing opportunities for agricultural collaboration with Kenya.
Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) 2026
- Venue – Basel, Switzerland.
- India's representative – Vipin Saini, CEO of BASAI.
- Participation
- 65 countries.
- Over 800 companies and organisations.
- Key Discussions
- The Indian regulatory framework for cell-free microbial products.
- Safety assessment of biological agricultural products.
- Risk assessment of complex biological mixtures, including:
- Microbial metabolites.
- Peptides.
- RNA Interference (RNAi).
- The development of science-based regulations to promote innovation while ensuring product safety.
Biological Approaches in Agriculture
- Biological materials and processes are employed to enhance crop protection, promote plant health, and increase agricultural productivity.
- These approaches offer alternatives or supplements to conventional chemical agricultural inputs.
- Major Types
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Type
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Description
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Biopesticides
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Biological agents used to control pests
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Biofertilisers
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Microorganisms that improve nutrient availability
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Biocontrol agents
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Organisms or biological substances used to control pests and diseases
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Microbial metabolites
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Substances produced by microorganisms that can support crop protection
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RNAi-based solutions
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Use RNA molecules to suppress specific target genes
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India–Kenya Agricultural Cooperation
- BASAI is currently exploring collaborative opportunities with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
- This initiative was undertaken following an invitation from KALRO Director General Patrick K. Keyeim.
- Potential Areas for Collaboration:
- Drone technology in agriculture.
- Information Technology (IT)-based agricultural solutions.
- Agricultural inputs.
- Knowledge exchange and agricultural research.
Significance
- Sustainable Agriculture – Decreases reliance on conventional chemical inputs.
- Environmental Protection – Promotes adoption of environmentally sustainable crop protection practices.
- Food Safety – Encourages the use of scientifically evaluated agricultural inputs.
- Innovation – Stimulates research and development of biological products.
- International Cooperation – Enhances technology transfer and knowledge dissemination.
- Farmer Welfare – May improve crop productivity and support long-term agricultural sustainability.
Reference
DD News | India’s Bio-Agriculture Global Outreach
