From Sanjay Sinha
Boone (US), Sept 4 (PTI) Field trials on Bollgard III, which is a updated version of Bt cotton variety that revolutionised its cultivation in India, are on to help farmers further increase productivity of the commercial crop.
The new variety, if successful, will enhance output from from the same acreage and bring down expenses on pesticides sprays.
The product developed by Monsanto, the world''s largest GM seed and chemicals company, would also provide enhanced, season-long protection to targeted insects, officials said.
Field trials on Bollgard III are on in the USA, Robert T.
Fraley, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Monsanto, told a group of visiting Indian journalists at "Farm Progress Show" hosted by Monsanto at Boone, IOWA in US.
He, however, refused to give any timeline for completion of the trials and that it would be made available in the markets only after regulatory tests.
But, Michael K Doane, Vice President, Sustainable Agriculture Policy, Monsanto said it is expected to hit the markets by next year.
Bollgard I with single Bt gene launched in India in 2002 followed by introduction of Bollgard II with two Bt gene in 2006, had revolutionised cotton productivity in India. India at present is the second largest producer of cotton after China.
Doane claimed Bollgard III does not create any environmental problem and would not alter the soil composition.
The August 28-30 Farm Progress Show displayed newer technology and tools to address the on-farm challenges facing cultivators.
It showcased tools and products available for farmers to help address weed management, insect management, disease management and yield optimisation.
Leading players in the farm sector including tractor makers John Deere, Kubota, Mahindra, seed manufacturer Syngenta, American chemical major Dupont, besides host Monsanto, had set up stalls during the show.
They wooed farmers and others associated with agriculture from across the world during the event.
Farmers were also given an insight of the latest in farm practices including droughtgard technology and integrated farming system, on the occasion.