Skopje, 14 September 2023 (MIA) – Thanks to the new equipment, new serological and molecular analyses following standard European procedures used in international gene banks are being introduced for the first time, said the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ljupcho Nikolovski, at an event Thursday promoting the new equipment for the gene bank at the Institute of Agriculture.

Nikolovski noted that the new equipment will enable the institution to carry out research that was previously done in other countries, which will increase efficiency and reduce costs. 

“Keeping plant varieties in the gene banks is of great importance when it comes to maintaining our agricultural biodiversity. The varieties of agricultural plants often have deep historical and cultural links to certain rural areas. That’s why protecting these varieties also means maintaining the culture, traditions and identity of these rural communities,” stressed Nikolovski.

Nikolovski added that these varieties represent a serious source of genetic material for the selection of new varieties, resistant to diseases and pests, and adaptable to climate change.

Apart from Minister Nikolovski, the event was also attended by the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, David Geer, the rector of “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” university, Nikola Jankulovski, as well as the head of the Institute, Viktor Gjamovski.

In his address, EU Ambassador Geer stressed the importance of the new equipment which raises the level of research in all four institutions where reference samples from plant genetic material are being kept. He also underscored the equipment’s significance for sustainable agricultural production, and securing quality and stable food production.

Rector Jankulovski noted that the new equipment represents a great step forward for science in North Macedonia, and that it elevates the national gene bank to the level of the international gene banks.

The head of the Institute of Agriculture, Viktor Gjamovski, voiced gratitude for the equipment, noting that it will modernize the gene bank.

Currently, the gene bank at the Institute of Agriculture keeps 721 samples of 43 botanical species. They are a part of the EURISCO European database.

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy