The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) took part in the opening of the Third Interuniversity Congress on Biotechnology. The event aims to promote food security, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Mayra Motta, Deputy Minister of Agricultural Health and Regulations at MAGA, said during her speech that the congress "represents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen academic training, research, and the practical application of modern biotechnology in the country's various productive sectors."
MAGA intends to use biotechnology to improve crop productivity and resilience against climate change while contributing to better nutrition and food security. The congress was organized with support from the National Secretariat for Science and Technology (SENACYT) and the Guatemalan Association of Biotechnology (AGBIO).
Topics discussed included genetic diversity exploration of Coffea arabica in Guatemala, in vitro cultivation and germplasm conservation, as well as soil microbiome studies. MAGA representatives reaffirmed their commitment to promote, disseminate, monitor, and ensure the safe management of modern techniques.
Deputy Minister Motta stated that "the work of participating scientists and professionals is the foundation for the country to move toward a modern agriculture based on science and technology." She added that this benefits people today as well as future generations by protecting ecological heritage.
Technical sessions at the congress also addressed applications such as biofertilizer production and quality control in pharmaceuticals. These initiatives show biotechnology's potential impact on improving life quality in Guatemala.
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