India's debate over genetically modified crops, the specter of infectious diseases and the need for technology to fight malnutrition in the country were likely to dominate a biotechnology trade show beginning today.

　　Scientists, business leaders and representatives from 20 countries will tackle these issues at the three-day "Bangalore Bio 2003" trade show, organizers said.

　　"The focus of the Indian biotech industry is aligned to our national needs, like finding vaccines for various diseases," said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who heads a panel of biotechnology experts that advises the Karnataka state government, which is hosting the show.

　　Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is India's technology hub, housing more than 70 biotech firms.

　　Mazumdar said that demand for biotechnology products to fight disease, improve nutrition and boost crop yields in India "is only going to accelerate."

　　India has begun developing new vaccines, or improve existing ones, for more than 20 diseases prevalent in this country of more than 1 billion people, including tuberculosis, cholera, plague and malaria.

　　The event, which will include a public debate on genetically modified crops, comes as the government considers allowing greater cultivation of such crops to alleviate hunger through higher yields and better nutrition.

　　India consumes nearly US billion of biotech products annually. Demand is likely to exceed US billion by 2010.