On Wednesday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) value traded was PKR 1.492 billion and the number of lots traded was 9,072. PMEX Commodity Index closed at 2,754. Major business was contributed by crude oil amounting to PKR 960 million followed by gold (PKR 490 million) and silver (PKR 41 million).
A dream to rehsape agricultural landscape of world
Friday, 14 November 2014
Daily trading report of PMEX 14 November 2014
On Wednesday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) value traded was PKR 1.492 billion and the number of lots traded was 9,072. PMEX Commodity Index closed at 2,754. Major business was contributed by crude oil amounting to PKR 960 million followed by gold (PKR 490 million) and silver (PKR 41 million).
Artificial insemination 'poor utilisation restricting livestock productivity'
Poor utilisation of artificial insemination is restricting livestock productivity, resulting in lower meat and milk per-animal production compared to developed nations. It was stated by speakers at training workshop titled "application of diagnostics ultrasound in animal reproduction" arranged by Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. It is the part of ongoing Rabi festival staged by UAF.Addressing on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan called for adopting value chain methods, genetic resource and artificial insemination in order to ensure the food security. He said artificial insemination (AI) of animals played a vital role in the improvement of livestock breeding, adding the country was one of the top producers of milk. "But, due to low per animal production and traditional way, we are lagging behind from rest of the world."
He stressed upon the need to educate the farming community about shunning the traditional methods and replace it to modern practices. Society of Animal Reproduction Pakistan (SARP) Pattern in Chief Dr Manzoor Ahmad Khan lamented that the per animal milk production in the country was only 1,500 litre per annum compared to at-least 8,000 litre in other countries. He said there were some breeds in Punjab form where we are getting 30 litre of milk per day but "we had failed to maintain milk capacity of breeds because of poor AI practices."
He said AI process had failed due to improper selection of quality bulls. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences Dean Professor Dr Laeeq Akbar Lodhi said they were working on strengthening the livestock. He said the adaptation of the artificial insemination would pave the way to progress for the country. He said poverty alleviation was directly linked to the agricultural sector and role of livestock sector in that regard could not be ignored.
Department Chairman Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal Qureshi said his department was taking all possible steps to strengthen the livestock sector through genetic resources, and animal reproductive health. He told the audience that workshop was the step towards building capacity regarding the awareness about usage of ultrasound in animal reproduction. Professor Dr Nasim Ahmad from UVAS Lahore said since 1970, the ultrasounds technology was being used for the animals. He gave the training about ultrasound in animal reproduction in length.
Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Georgian Agriculture Ministry interested in cooperation with Belarus
The deputy minister said that over the last 20 years the cooperation between the ministries of agriculture of the two states has been almost zero. Meanwhile, agriculture is one of the main economic sectors both in Belarus and Georgia. “I want Georgia to develop a different approach to the cooperation with Belarus. We should start thinking about the projects that we can implement,” Gocha Tsopurashvili said. He believes that pig breeding, fish farming, and potato production are promising cooperation areas.
“Georgia is a county open for business. There are many areas that we can discuss with Belarus and cooperate in,” Gocha Tsopurashvili noted.
The 20th international fair Prodexpo 2014 opened in Minsk on 11 November. The event showcases baking, confectionery, dairy products, meat and meat products, sausages, alcohol and soft drinks, cereal products, pasta, spices, foods, children's and dietary meals, tea, coffee. It also demonstrates manufacturing and commercial equipment for the food industry, refrigerating and freezer equipment, uniforms and much more.
The exhibition has been organized by the BelExpo national exhibition center with the assistance of the Trade Ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus, and Belgospishcheprom Concern.
Agriculture industry must kick dangerous antibiotic habit
As the saying goes, bad habits are incredibly hard to break. Usually an unpleasant revelation is needed to wake people up to the need for change. In health care, where antibiotics have been improperly seen as the first line of defence against infectious disease rather than the last resort, that moment came in 2011 when researchers discovered a strain of gonorrhea capable of resisting all known recommended antibiotics. Public health officials had no choice but to accept the error of their ways and change strategy. Today, in order to save antimicrobials for the future, they have beenrelegated to be the last resort. And now, it seems, it’s agriculture’s turn.
For decades, the use of antibiotics for purposes other than prevention, control and treatment of animal-based infections has raised concerns over the development of antimicrobial-resistant strains that could end up in the human population. However, there had been little to no evidence to suggest this actually happens. But in the past few months that changed, thanks to a bacterium known as Staphylococcus aureus Clonal Complex 398 (CC398).
The bacterium was first identified a decade ago in both pigs and pig farmers, and over the years was associated with clinical infection in humans working on farms. But, while this back-and-forth contamination and spread was to be expected, there was little indication CC398 would pose a concern in any other environment.
In 2009, that theory was quashed as the bacterium was found in individuals residing in the non-farming community of Manhattan. By 2010,surveillance suggested the bacterium could be found in the general human population. Although disconcerting, the overall risk to health care where it could do the most damage, was considered minimal at best.
That, too, has now changed. In September of this year, a British team of researchers explored the history of CC398 at the genetic level. After looking at dozens of isolates from both human and livestock origin, they found two significant outcomes. The first was the presence of the bacterium not only in the blood of individuals in hospitals but also in the environment. The second was the realization all the isolates had a common livestock origin.
The discovery may not be surprising to those pushing for an end to antibiotic use in agriculture. In a world where zoonotic transmission of infections make up some 60 per cent of all human infections, the chance for spread of resistant microorganisms from animals to humans would be expected. But for the industry as well as the regulators, this may be seen as the wake-up call needed to turn away from widespread antibiotic use.
In Canada, where CC398 has been found but not yet in humans, the move to restrict the use of antimicrobials in agriculture is well on its way. In April of this year, Health Canada sent out a notice revealing its intent to tighten regulations. Based on the document, the most medically important antimicrobials will be restricted for use only to prevent, control and treat infections. Moreover, the use of these drugs will be done with the oversight of a veterinarian.
The regulations are planned to go into effect by 2017 – which may appear to be a long time from now but, in the context of the needs of agricultural producers, is relatively short. In order to comply with the regulations, producers have to find novel ways to maintain animal health and economic sustainability while losing one of their greatest chemical helpers. The process will not be simple and will require a combination of efforts. From an animal-health perspective, this will mean exploring alternatives to antibiotics to improve immune function as well as various options to reduce stress levels.
In the human arena, education initiatives need to be implemented to help the industry acclimatize to the fact they will not have their go-to option for much longer. The stakeholders need to be made aware a balance is needed between profits and the well-being of the Canadian public. But most important, those who wish to continue using antibiotics need to realize we are approaching – if not already in – the postantibiotic era; without prudence in use, these once-heralded weapons against disease are destined for extinction.
The CC398 findings offer a clear reminder of the problems faced without prudence and/or abstinence in antibiotic use in agriculture. But will they be enough?
Based on history, the answer may not be positive. Come 2017, there may be a relaxation of the regulations and possibly even an extension.
But there is a way the public can help: Support antibiotic prudence and/or abstinence wherever possible. A number of farmers, producers and even fast-food restaurants have already chosen to provide food from animals raised either without medically important antibiotics or any
whatsoever. These early adopters have provided a publicly available opportunity to speak out on the issue using not words but our wallets. Each purchase made to support reduction of antibiotic use in agriculture can help make a difference by promoting change in both policy and practice.
Let’s face it: In Canada, money talks. By voicing your economic choice, industry and government will hear you loud and clear. With any luck, in combination with CC398, the pressure will persuade agriculture to finally kick this dangerous habit.
Health Advisor contributors share their knowledge in fields ranging from fitness to psychology, pediatrics to aging. Jason Tetro is a Toronto-based microbiologist with over 25 years experience in research. He is a self-described germs relationship therapist and strives to improve humanity’s bond with the unseen world. He writes for national and international media outlets and is often found on social media where he shares his unique views on microbial health. His science bestseller, The Germ Code is out now. You can follow him on Twitter at @JATetro
Strategies for the promotion of organic agriculture in developing countries
Written by Azeem Tariq
Organic agriculture provides developing countries a broad variety of economic, cultural, social and environmental benefits. The scientific studies in Asia, Africa and Latin America specify that organic farmers usually have more earning as compare to conventional counterparts. New developments in the organic technologies have the possibilities of sustaining the yield for long period of time, although improving the biodiversity, soil fertility and other ecosystem services. Exceptionally, organic agriculture is well suited to the smallholder farmers because it makes poor farmers less dependent of expensive external inputs and provides them the higher and stable income, which improves the food security. Furthermore, organic agriculture in developing countries keeps alive the farmers traditional practices and crop varieties.
Less use of chemical substances in organic agriculture prevent the risk of ground and surface water contamination by nutrient leaching for instant, 57% of nitrate leaching lower by organic agriculture compared to the conventional practices. Organic farming also have the potential to reduce the climate change effects, scientific findings have prove that organic farming use 20 to 56 % less energy in per unit dry matter production of crop as compare to conventional agriculture. Furthermore, organic farms can sequester 3 to 8 tons more carbon per hectare that illustrates the potential of organic agriculture to meet the Kyoto target of countries to reduce the CO2 emission. These findings clearly stated that organic farming favorable trade for sustainable development, poverty reduction and healthy environment in the developing countries.
For successful execution of organic farming in developing countries there is the need of intrusion in the strategies related to; promotion of organic research; development of systems of standard; provide support for development of local, regional, national and international market for organic products; the dependence and sustainable use of natural resources; enhance the knowledge and skills of poor farmers through education and training workshops; improvement in value addition by developing post harvest handling technologies, storage and preservation techniques; and participation of the special interest groups such as women, youth and vulnerable.
Thus, to promote the organic agriculture in developing countries there is need to set policies and incentives for smallholder farmers to keep on farming depending on natural resource utilization and lower the dependence on external inputs.
Saturday, 31 May 2014
PRACTICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
The term biotechnology was first coined by Karl Ereky in 1919. As its name indicates, it is not a single technology but a group of technologies that applied on living organism to make them productive and efficient from the previous one. If we trace the history then we find that Sumerians and Babylonians were the first who use fermentation biotechnology to make fermented liquor. They used yeast enzyme to make that liquor. At that time some people were also using crude biotechnology to make bread and cheese. As the time progressed, the applications of biotechnology to other fields expanded in the way that people started to make vinegar and wine. Later on, Pioneering work of Pasture and Robert Koch also helped in understanding the function and importance of microbes which were causing disease and spoiling the food items. Pasture demonstrated that souring of milk is caused by microbes and they are responsible for food spoilage. During the same time Robert Koch described that microorganisms are causative agents of disease in animals and humans. Later on Pasture’s and Koch’s work extended and considered as base of future work. German soldiers were also taking help from biotechnology to produce glycerol. They were using it as explosive material during 1st World War considering the fermentation as base (1914-1918).
The application of technologies (genetical, biochemical) on living organism to make or modify the products is called biotechnology. The achievements of biotechnology are described under
Insect Resistance
The bacteria (Bacillus theurengenesis) produce defensive protein against Lepidopteron species of insects. The gene producing this protein isolated from bacteria and incorporated into crops which were susceptible to Lepidopteron species of insects. This was done with help of biotechnology.
The crops that have Bt gene are rice, maize and cotton.
Herbicide Resistance
Glyphosate is a weed killer. It does not only kill the weeds also kill the crops by disturbing their metabolic pathway. The resistance against herbicide achieved by the introduction of Glyphosate resistant EPSP synthase gene into various species of plants having economic importance. Rice, wheat, maize and soybean are the crops with herbicide resistant gene.
Resistance for fungal Pathogen
Some plants contain resistant genes against fungal pathogen. The resistant gene produces chitinase and 1, 3 glucanase proteins which degrade the cell wall of fungi and stop its growth and development. These resistant genes isolated and incorporated into susceptible varieties of plants.
Increases the nutrient level
More nutritious foods with better quality have been produced with the help of biotechnology. Genes of available nutrient level increased or foreign gene of desired nutrients inserted into the staple food of that area. In this way disease caused by the deficiency that nutrient minimized. Some examples are
· Genetically engineered tomatoes have produced which contains increased level of nutrients such as Vit. A, Vit.C and carotenoids.
· Genes incorporated into rice which increased the available iron level which help in the remedy of anemic patients
· In 1992 Monsanto Company developed variety that has high content of starch. The genes of high starch content isolated from bacteria and incorporated in potato.
· Golden rice has developed which contains high amount of Vit.A.
· Fruits with more shelf life have been developed with the help of biotechnology.
· The storage quality of seeds have been improved with the help of biotechnology
Tissue culture techniques
The production of plants in artificial medium under aseptic condition is called tissue culture
· Rapid production of genetically identical individual through tissue culture techniques.
· Varieties developed in short time through this technique as compared to conventional breeding techniques e.g salt tolerant varieties have been produced by applying different levels of salt concentration on nutrient media.
· Virus resistant genotypes have been developed with the help of meristem culture.
· Haploid plants have been developed with the help of tissue culture techniques. These are good source of genetic and mutation studies
· Secondary metabolites have been produced through these techniques
· Seed less fruits have been developed through endosperm culture e.g guava, watermelon and citrus
· Interspecific crosses through these techniques are helpful in the production of new species and thus increase germplasm.
· Ornamental plants with beautiful appearance and have more demand been produced through micro propagation.
· Artificial seed produce through these techniques. It contained the genetic material of one parent in embryo.
Gigantism
The size of edible plant parts have been increased by increasing the ploidy level of that species e.g in tomatoes, cucumber and squashes.
Delayed ripening
Tomatoes spoiled quickly when they are detached from plant because ethylene production starts. Ethylene producing genes which express them late are inserted in tomatoes. This is done with the help of transformation techniques.
Sterility induction
Male sterile genes have been transferred to those crops in which hybrid seed production is costly and requires more labor to emasculate. Male sterile genes have been transferred to the desired crop from donor crop. This is done with the help of biotechnology.
Diagnosis of plant pathogen
Early diagnosis of pathogen attack on plants is feasible with the help of ELISA, DNA probe and DNA marker. These techniques avoid us from severe loss of crops.
Wine making
Application of yeast enzyme in wine making is very old. The enzyme used in wine making convert glucose into alcohol with the production of carbon dioxide.
Synthesis of detergents
Protease enzyme widely use in the detergent industry. They degrades the stains of sweets and grasses.
Bread making
This is very old application of biotechnology. In it, fermentation progresses with the help of yeast enzymes. These enzymes convert the sugar of floor into alcohol and carbon dioxide, dough rises and CO2 trapped in bread.
Biomining
Mechanical mining techniques were costly and time consuming. The birth of biominig removed drawbacks of the old techniques. It is cheap and quick technology because genetically engineered microorganism are used for mineral extraction e.g Thiobacillus feroxidan leach out copper from mine.
Rennets in dairy industry
Animal rennets use in dairy industry for manufacture of good quality cheese.
Insulin production
Genetically engineered bacteria produce insulin protein. This protein is helpful for Diabetes mellitus patient.
Vaccine production
Vaccines stimulate the antigen to produce antibodies against pathogen and they make the immune system very strong. Plants produces vaccines with the help of biotechnology.
Gene therapy
The technique in which therapeutic gene inserted in individual to correct the disease by removing faulty gene. Viruses are mostly used as vector for those genes
Cystic fibrosis, severe combined immune deficiency syndrome and liver cancer cured with the help of biotechnology
Cell and tissue transplantation
Biotechnology proved to be helpful in treating those diseases which arises due to cell and tissue defects. These defected tissue exchange with healthy one with the help of biotechnology.
Xenotransplantaion
Transplanting of organs from one specie to another. In 1984 it was practically observe in transplanting of baboon heart into 12 year old girl
Artificial blood
Artificial blood synthesized with the help of biotechnology. It act as Hemoglobin carry and transport oxygen. It act as universal donor type. This is disease free and alternative to real blood
Screening of genetic abnormalities
Genetic abnormalities screened with the help of florescent in situ hybridization. Florescent probes helps in finding the location of genetic abnormalities on specific chromosome.
Testing for down syndrome and sex
The amniotic fluid is taken from the fetus and further it sent to lab for karyotyping. The karyotyping helps in identification of chromosome abnormalities.
Biotechnology also help us in
· DNA fingerprinting
· Waste water treatment and pollution control
· Paternity dispute
· Genetic counseling
· Artificial insemination
· Genes of prolificacy inserted into desired animal
· Solid waste management
· Production of serum albumin
· Monoclonal antibodies
REFERENCES
V.K. Indra and T.A thrope.2005. Plant cell and tissue culture. Springer india( pvt).Ltd. Pp : 21-37
Ratledge and Kristiansen. 2004. Basic biotechnology. Press sundicate of the university of Cambridge .the pitt building thrumpington street. Cambridge CB2 IRP, united kingdom. Pp : 255-449
Brown D.C.W and T.A. Thrope.1995 . Crop improvement through tissue culture. World J. Microbiology and Biotech 11, 409-415
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