Human Resource Development

At present, quality training in agricultural biotechnology is available in a limited number of institutes and laboratories. To avoid mushrooming of substandard institutes in both public and private sectors, there is need for considering accreditation of institutions for training in agro-biotechnology. Also, a proper balance between sector-wise demand and supply should be ensured to avoid unemployment and in efficient use of training facilities. Training in bioinformatics, functional genomics and Nano-biotechnology should be strengthened. Training should also include issues related to intellectual property, regulatory affairs and commercialization. International training for technical updating in specific areas should be undertaken on a substantial scale.

The contents of training courses, including hands on skill training should be standardized. An appropriate mechanism/ institution should be identified to consider the accreditation process. Projections for manpower needs in this sector for the coming decade and beyond need to be prepared.