February 18, 2009
Monsanto to further expand GM corn field trials in Asia
Monsanto, the world's largest seed company, is looking to conduct GM corn field trials in parts of Asia after a successful kick off in India.
Monsanto has begun GM corn field trials in India, but it could take a few years before the seeds are ready for commercial launch. The company is also optimistic of getting an approval for trials in Indonesia, after GM corn boosted yields in the Philippines since its launch in 2003.
The company is just starting field trials process on insect-protected corn that is of the same trait in the Philippines, said Jerry Steiner, executive vice president of corporate affairs.
Most Asian countries use conventional seeds for growing grains and yields are far below the output levels in the US.
Steiner said governments worldwide from Africa to Asia were now moving forward and taking a more pragmatic approach, as the world struggles to feed the population.
Monsanto officials said GM seeds have improved corn yields by 15-50 percent in the Philippines, and nearly half of the country's corn area is now planted with insect- and weed-resistant seeds.
The Philippines was the first Asian country to commercialise GM corn and corn output has increased 46 percent to 6.7 million tonnes in 2007 from 4.6 million tonnes in 2003.
