National Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Brainstorming Session
on
Potential and Policies for Genetically Engineered and Gene-Edited Microorganisms for Use as Biologicals in Agriculture

July 03, 2026

The Academy organized a brainstorming session (BSS) on “Potential and Policies for Genetically Engineered and Gene-Edited Microorganisms for Use as Biologicals in Agriculture” on July 03, 2026 in hybrid mode. The session was chaired by Dr. M.L. Jat, President, NAAS, and co-chaired by Prof. N.K Singh, Former National Professor B.P. Pal Chair, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi. Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India graced the occasion as special invitee. The session was convened by Dr. R.C. Bhattacharya, Director, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi, and Dr. Debasis Pattanayak, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi and co-convened by Dr. Vibha Ahuja, Former Chief General Manager, BCIL.

Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DBT in his opening remarks reiterated the importance of microbial biologicals in different fields including agriculture and underscored the need for an ecosystem including policy guidelines to harness the potential of agriculturally important microbes. Dr. M.L. Jat, President NAAS, Secretary DARE and DG ICAR in his opening remarks, stressed that the importance of microbes can no longer be undermined and ignored. He also emphasized that sustenance of soil health is important and microbes have to play a big role in self-reliance and developed India. He proposed that ICAR and DBT to come together and to formulate a joint research funding addressing all the aspects on the utilization of microbial biologicals.

Later, there were four technical sessions, featuring esteemed expertsfrom the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES), ICAR institutes, ministries/departments (MoEF&CC, DBT, BIRAC, CIBR&C), industries and policy experts from different countries namely, USA, Australia, UK and Brazil. The panelists deliberated on the need for guidelines for the benefit of the farming community utilizing such GM- and Ged-based agri-biologicals to meet the challenges of agriculture in a changing climate situation.

In closing, Prof. N. K. Singh, underlined the need for simultaneous efforts for regulation as well as development of desired infrastructure. Dr A. K. Singh, Secretary, NAAS suggested having separate guidelines for genetically engineered and genome-edited microbes. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. B.S. Dwivedi, Secretary, NAAS.