Biotechnology Crops to Revolutionize Indian Agriculture

Strategic Insights -

Dr Robert T Fraley, Chief Technology Officer of the US-based Monsanto company, emphasized the significance of biotechnology in enhancing agricultural productivity and meeting the challenges of food security. He stated that biotechnology is the future for Indian farmers, with European, Asian, and Latin American markets already leaning towards it. The development and introduction of biotech crops, such as Bollgard II Cotton and YieldGard Corn, will provide farmers with a new spectrum of insect control and improved yield quality. By 2010-11, new products with Omega 3 fatty acids in vegetables are expected to be introduced, targeting heart health, reducing the risk of arthritis, and promoting brain development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr Robert T Fraley, Chief Technology Officer of Monsanto, believes that biotechnology is the future for Indian farmers to meet the growing challenges of food security.
  • Biotech crops, such as Bollgard II Cotton and YieldGard Corn, will be launched in India soon, offering enhanced spectrum of insect control and improved yield quality.
  • The development of low linolenic soybeans in the US aims to reduce transfats for human health.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids are being introduced in vegetables for heart health, reducing chances of arthritis, and promoting brain development by 2010-11.
  • Over 200 million acres of biotech crops were grown worldwide last year, with an expected increase to 300 million acres in the next three to four years.
  • Research on over 50 products is being conducted in 63 countries, including soybeans and palm, with introductions expected in the future.
  • Dr Fraley emphasized the importance of biotechnology in addressing the challenges of food security, particularly in the face of increasing population.

Statistics:

  • 200 million acres of biotech crops were grown worldwide in the previous year.
  • The global biotech crop acreage will increase to 300 million acres in the next three to four years.
  • Research is being conducted on over 50 products in 63 countries, including soybeans and palm.
  • Low linolenic soybeans were introduced in the US this year to reduce transfats for human health.
  • New products with Omega 3 fatty acids in vegetables are expected to be introduced by 2010-11.

Sources:

  • PTI, "Biotechnology Crops to Revolutionize Indian Agriculture" (25-05, 0925)