Kathmandu, April 25:

Experts today stressed on the need of advancement in the field of biotechnology for industrial and economic growth of the nation, commemorating the World DNA Day.

Biotechnology-modifying biological organism derived by the DNA technology according to the need of humanity has made great contribution in the genetic engineering, agriculture, human health and forensic science. Manipulating the molecular structure of the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) science has made impossibilities possible. The experts said investing mind and resources in the field could help us advance greatly economically.

Prof Dr Hom Nath Bhattarai, vice-chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) said the 21st century is the age of Bio, Nano and Information Technology. The country is in the need of scientists who could apply the knowledge of biotechnology based on relevance and need.

He stressed on the need of original researches on biotechnology in the country. However, no labs to conduct the research have been an obstruction. Bhattari said the NAST is constructing a multi-disciplinary research lab, in which researches on Biotechnology would be prioritised.

Dr Mukunda Ranjit, agricultural biotechnology expert, said Nepali experts have already been able to eliminate viral disease from potato through tissue culture propagation for the first time in South Asia, and similar researches could be carried out in future. He said the country has intelligence, but is in need of experts who are willing to develop such technology and and apply it in the field.

TU has been conducting BSc classes in biotechnology for five years. “In all probability, from the next academic year the TU will start MSc programme in Biotechnology,” said Dr Tri Bikram Bhattarai, head, Department of Biotechnology, TU. He said building experts within the country is likely to increase researches and new inventions for the economic growth of the nation.