August 19, 2010

Monsanto to launch 2 high-yielding corn hybrids

Monsanto India (MIL) has plans of launching two high-yielding hybrid variety of corn, Dekalb 9108 and Dekalb 9106, by 2011.

The two premium seeds will be available during spring and the kharif seasons in Uttar Pradesh (9108) and Punjab (9106).

Dekalb is now available in 14 high-yielding hybrid varieties that are suited for different agro climatic conditions such as different kinds of soil, water availability and moisture.

"Dekalb 9108 is best suited for the spring season in Uttar Pradesh, while Dekalb 9106 is unique to the summer heat in Punjab. The seeds will help increase yield provided the farmers follow best farming practices," said Amitabh Jaipuria, managing director of MIL.

MIL's focus continues to be on delivering higher yield for Indian farms through superior seeds and farmer education. Its breeding research efforts are focused on yield enhancement, abiotic stresses (heat and drought), biotic stress (disease resistance) and latest molecular techniques to make breeding faster and efficient.

Crop-breeding research is being conducted over large acres for corn nurseries and over hundreds of acres of farmland for hybrid product testing across different agro-climatic conditions and seasons in India.

At present, India's average corn output with conventional seeds is estimated at around 500 kgs per acre. The average output using hybrid seeds works out to one tonne per acre in India as compared to the global average of two tonnes.