India-based seed developer Mahyco, which is 26% owned by Monsanto, is conducting and planning field trials for genetically modified (GM) wheat and rice varieties that will combat drought, salinity, and pests while increasing yields. The company has submitted an application to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India for approval to undertake field trials for drought and salinity-tolerant wheat and aims to begin field trials within two years. Creating a salinity-tolerant strain of wheat could increase yields by 5%-7%. The company has already undertaken a cycle of field trials for salinity-tolerant GM rice and three cycles of field trials for yellow stem borer resistant GM rice. Once these trials are completed, Mahyco will then obtain permission to conduct large scale trials in multiple locations. Currently no commercial cultivation of GM wheat or rice is permitted anywhere in the world.
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