The first commercially-available genetically modified (GM) drought-tolerant corn may be released by 2012 by Monsanto which may later be marketed in the Philippines.

The development of the drought-tolerant corn is in the third phase of testing, and application for its commercial propagation is ongoing in US, Japan, and Europe. Moreover, Monsanto's application for its propagation in the Philippines may also be possible as soon as this is approved in the US, according to company officials.

As climate change poses to further threaten farmers harvest with the already dry climate due to El Niño, the release of the drought-resistant corn may be a relief for farmers.

"This plant may be efficient in water use or a plant that is able to subsist with less water," said Dr. Graham, Head of Monsanto.

Identifying a single gene to counter drought may be difficult to identify. However, this corn plant may generally be characterised as one that has bigger root systems or one that does not need much water to thrive.

Researchers have found that a gene from a non-corn specie contained this drought-tolerant trait which can actually improve corn yield by 8-22%. The study of this gene was initially made on a plant called "Arabidopsis," mustard-family plant used for many crop modelling and testing due its ideal short life cycle of only six weeks (from germination to seed maturation)and extensive genetics and physical maps.

While the average 15% yield increase may appear to be not very significant, this increase is already valuable considering that the drought stress causes a 50% yield decline in an ordinary corn crop.

Dr. Arnold Estrada, Monsanto Singapore regional biotechnology head, said the genetically modified (GM) corn may become valuable in areas that may not be traditionally hit by drought but which suddenly face problems on soil moisture inadequacy.