China's approval of GMO rice, corn seen boosting yields
Thursday, 3 December 2009
BEIJING, Dec 2 (AFP): China has approved genetically modified strains of rice and corn in a move experts say could dramatically boost crop yields and help the world's most populous nation avoid food shortages.
The Ministry of Agriculture said it had issued initial production licences for genetically modified rice and corn, paving the way for commercial cultivation of high-yielding and pest-resistant grain and cereal crops.
In a fax to AFP this week, the ministry said the decision was "an important outcome of China's research on genetic engineering technology".
"It lays a good foundation for commercial production," the ministry said.
Further approvals are required before the genetically modified rice and corn can be grown commercially, it added.
Huang Dejun, chief analyst with Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant, said the government wanted the agricultural industry "to be prepared" for a potential grain shortage.
The technology could increase rice and corn yields by about 30 per cent, Huang estimated.
Beijing said in July 2008 that it aimed to cultivate high- yielding and pest-resistant genetically modified grains as it faces the challenge of feeding its 1.3 billion people and battles shrinking arable land and climate change.
China is a major producer of genetically modified cotton and vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes.
The Ministry of Agriculture said it had issued initial production licences for genetically modified rice and corn, paving the way for commercial cultivation of high-yielding and pest-resistant grain and cereal crops.
In a fax to AFP this week, the ministry said the decision was "an important outcome of China's research on genetic engineering technology".
"It lays a good foundation for commercial production," the ministry said.
Further approvals are required before the genetically modified rice and corn can be grown commercially, it added.
Huang Dejun, chief analyst with Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant, said the government wanted the agricultural industry "to be prepared" for a potential grain shortage.
The technology could increase rice and corn yields by about 30 per cent, Huang estimated.
Beijing said in July 2008 that it aimed to cultivate high- yielding and pest-resistant genetically modified grains as it faces the challenge of feeding its 1.3 billion people and battles shrinking arable land and climate change.
China is a major producer of genetically modified cotton and vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes.