Taiwan should promote the development of biotechnology in the agricultural sector in a bid to contribute to society, Academia Sinica President Lee Yuan-tseh (
In a speech at a forum on Competitiveness and Development Strategies for the Agricultural Biotechnology Industry in Taiwan held by the Cabinet's Science and Technology Advisory Group (行政院科技顧問組) in Taipei yesterday, Lee said that characteristics of Taiwan's traditional agriculture should be regarded as one of the bases for future promotion of biotechnology.
Past research on agricultural improvement have made Taiwan one of the most promising countries in the subtropical zone, Lee said.
"To further contribute to society, Taiwan should promote the development of biotechnology in the agricultural sector," Lee said, implying that eradicating hunger depends on stabilizing fragile agricultural ecology.
According to Lee, rapid population growth in the 20th century has reduced the area available for cropland, meaning the planet can no longer support such large numbers.
Lee said that the world's population had quadrupled over the past century, adding that people are facing a dramatic reduction in the area of cropland per person.
Lee attributed the slowness of agricultural development to a deteriorating environment caused by industrialization. Polluted air, Lee explained, blocks sunshine that helps the growth of agricultural products.
Green revolution
Lee said that modern agriculture is experiencing a green revolution, which is driven by advances in biotechnology.
Genetically modified agricultural products have greater output due to their resistance to insects, the Academia Sinica president added.
Meanwhile, Lee said, developing countries still have rapidly growing populations and most of the world's poor still suffer from a lack of food.
"Poor countries, however, shrink at the sight of bioenhanced agricultural products," Lee said, adding that the patents involved with such products are a deterrent to their use.
Countries in the developing would suffer if all bio-tech enterprises endeavor to apply for patents, the Academia Sinica president said.
Strategy for change
"As global warming is becoming dramatic, Taiwan must have its short-term, mid-term and long-term strategies to improve agricultural development to deal with environmental changes," Lee said.
Yesterday's forum, part of the five-day Strategies for Taiwan's Industrial Technology conference that began on Monday, included an analysis of the agricultural biotechnology industry in Taiwan, a review of existing agricultural policies and discussion of new directions for improving R&D in biotechnology.
Today, more than 500 local and overseas participants will discuss electronics, information technology and biotechnology.
Their suggestions and conclusions will be reviewed by Premier Yu Shyi-kun, who will chair tomorrow's closing ceremony.
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