Agri Biotech Foundation

Agri Biotech Foundation is an autonomous academic institute engaged in research, Extension (transfer of technology), Human Resource Development and Public engagement. It is a registered society under Andhra Pradesh Societies Act. It was established i Andhra Pradesh Societies Act. It was established in January 2007. It evolved on the basis of successful execution of a long term research programme called Andhra Pradesh Netherlands Biotechnology Programme (APNLBP) funded by the Government of the Netherlands between 1995 and 2010. Located on a campus of 1 ha in Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University Campus, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, the Agri Biotech Foundation aims at promoting application of agri-biotechnologies for sustainable development. It has well equipped molecular biology lab, growth chambers, bio-safety poly house, transgenic glass house, conference and class rooms, library and staff rooms and uninterrupted power supply system. It undertakes research mainly in molecular biology, tissue culture and microbiology. It organizes both short term and long term training programmes for improving skills among young scientists engaged in plant biotechnologies. The Foundation is also recognized by local universities for Ph.D. programme in Biotechnology. It has rich experience of setting up about 90 research projects on different topics, funded by the Netherlands Government, the Department of Biotechnology, National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, European Commission etc. These projects deal with both rDNA based technology and non-rDNA based technology. Focus has been on biotic and abiotic stresses, production of clean planting material, increasing green cover and enhancing employment potential and nutritional standards. During the last 14 years, ABF has evolved more than 20 new technologies using local expertise. These include lower and middle order biotechnologies while the higher end biotechnologies dealing with rDNA are in the offing. Some of these technologies have already been transferred to micro enterprises and through them to farmers in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, with definite economic and environmental benefit. It has rich experience in research project management, interfacing science with society, integrating traditional knowledge with modern science. Promoting participatory technology development involving multi-stakeholders has been its strength. Networking with knowledge producers and knowledge users is its specialty. ...view more