China leads in biotech crops

The Chinese government has given consistent support to biotechnology research in recent years. In 2008, it launched the National Transgenic New Variety Development Program, with plans to invest 26 billion yuan ($3.8 billion) in biotechnology research by 2020.

A year later, the Ministry of Agriculture issued safety certificates for production of two genetically modified field crops, rice and maize. Since then, however, the commercialization of biotech crops has made little progress.

Huang Dafang, a professor from the Biotechnology Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said: "This variety is ready for commercial farming, but without government approval it cannot be launched into the market." Huang said the crop enjoys several advantages. It can improve farmers' income while reducing their labor and chemical input such as fertilizers. Most importantly, it can help China reduce its reliance on imported corn.

Last year, China's corn imports jumped two-fold from a year earlier to 5.2 million metric tons, industry data showed. The imported corn came mainly from the United States.

Industry analysts attributed slow progress on promoting the commercialization of biotech crops to public concerns about food safety. But they agreed that developing such crops is a step in the right direction to advance the agricultural industry.

"The government should continue to support research in biotechnology. It represents the future in agriculture," said Ma Wenfeng, a senior analyst at Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant. "Industrial use of biotech crops should be allowed, but China should be cautious in introducing them to people's daily diet."

zhousiyu@chinadaily.com.cn

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