The Department of Biotechnology supports many research programs for using genome information to improve crop yield and its nutritional value.

He said the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is supporting research programs for using genome information for improving crop yield. It initiated a major program on inducing genome variation by Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) which is being supported as Solanaceae Genome Initiative (SOL) phase II program in next five years.
The ultimate objective of this program is to enhance shelf life in tomato and also improve its nutritional quality such as carotenoids and folate. The DBT is also funding a major research program on Tomato metabolomics where information derived from genome sequence data would be used to enhance vitamins such as carotenoids and folate levels in tomato fruits.
The Minister informed the House that the level of advancement made in this area is quite close to the international standard.
Source-Medindia