Understanding and enhancing the role of the media in communicating crop biotechnology was the focus of a media colloquium on Demystifying Crop Biotechnology: Issues and Concepts for the Asian Media held recently by ICRISAT-Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh as part of the 20th annual conference of the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC).
The meet was jointly organized by AMIC, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Department of Biotechnology-Government of India (DBT-GOI), and the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).
Being the primary source of scientific information, the media plays a crucial role in communicating crop biotechnology. This role should be optimally harnessed to inform, educate and mobilize the public as an enlightened user of crop biotechnology products and decision makers to come up with supportive policies.
“Armed with information on the tremendous opportunities offered by crop biotechnology in enhancing food security, agricultural production and yield, reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and promoting a nation’s growth, the media will help consumers better understand and support agri-biotechnology,” said ICRISAT Director General Dr. William Dar.
Biotechnology and communication experts participated in the meet to share contemporary challenges, issues and concerns related to crop biotechnology, as well enhance the appreciation and understanding of media practitioners and researchers on the subject.
An apex media event in Asia, AMIC’s annual conference draws over 300 delegates across the globe annually, including media scholars, communication practitioners, media industry professionals, policy-makers, researchers and academicians.
