A two-day National Symposium on “Applications of Radioisotopes and Tracer Techniques in Agriculture and Environment” is being hosted by the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry (SS&AC), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore. This programme was inaugurated today, 16 February. About one hundred and fifty delegates from different parts of India are participating in the symposium.
C. Devakumar, Former Assistant Director General (Education), ICAR, New Delhi and. Mervin Alexander, Joint Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai were the chief guests for the inauguration of this symposium.
In his introductory speech, he requested the soil scientists to further strengthen research in radioisotopes and he encouraged them to undertake collaborations with the scientists working in the field.
C. Devakumar, Former Assistant Director General (Education) in his inaugural address, detailed the usage of tracer techniques in various fields like Isotopic hydrology, The role of isotopes in climate change, mutation breeding and molecular breeding, balance sheet approach for nitrogen and phosphorus through 15N and 32P and an integrated approach and integrated nutrient management, cropping system and water management to assess the flows and pools to draw a balance sheet.
Mervin Alexander, Joint Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy who is an alumni of TNAU in his address, spoke about the role of isotopes in various fields like, medicine, agriculture, water management etc. He mentioned that India is the largest exploiter of water through various high water demanding crops. He also spoke about destructive technology which is operating today in every field and agriculture is not an exception, where radiotracer techniques can also be utilized as an effective tool.
Dr. K. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, TNAU released the symposium publication and delivered the presidential address. He stated that 82% of vegetables and fruits in the world are derived by mutation breeding. Quantification of nutrients added to the soil like transformation, plant uptake, losses can be done through radiotracer techniques. Sulphur which is a critical element in oilseed and crucifer crops can better be managed with radiotracer techniques. Establishment of Gamma radiation chamber at Kanniyakumari and Periyakulam could be possible with external funding based on the proximity of port at Tuticorin and airport at Madurai. Dr. S. Meena, Professor (SS&AC) and Co-Organizing Secretary of the Symposium proposed a formal vote of thanks.