By BV Mahalakshmi, Financial Express via Checkbiotech

In a bid to expand its presence in the Indian markets, the US-based Emergent Genetics Inc, a seed-related biotech company, has chalked out strategies to improve cotton production. The company has proposed to launch insect-resistant hybrids and Bt cotton varieties in the country by the year 2006.

Currently, with a marketshare of 12 per cent in cotton hybrids across the country, the company is looking at a bigger share of about 20 per cent in cotton over a period of time. This includes commercialising insect-resistant varieties under its umbrella brands, Paras and Mahalaxmi, according to the CEO of Emergent Genetics Inc, Sam Dryden.

Speaking to FE, Mr Dryden said: “We have targetted India with a range of varieties, which can be cultivated under different agro-climatic conditions like rainfed, irrigated, etc.” He further added that these varieties will contain newer technologies like insect-resistant in order to increase the total yield, longer staple length, better boll size, etc.

Emergent Genetics, which acquired Mahendra Hybrid Seeds during the year 2000 and Paras Extra Growth Seeds Ltd in the year 2002, is the largest cotton seeds company that uses newer technologies. The Indian arm of the group, Emergent Genetics India, is expecting to receive approval in the next two to three months from the Bombay High Court for its merger plans with Mahendra, according to the managing director, Emergent Genetics India Pvt Ltd, Ram V Kaundinya.

The company has obtained licenses for the insect-resistant gene and Bt cotton from Mahyco-Monsanto and has proposed to release these varieties by the year 2006. The group is planning to increase its research and development spend for new technologies and the areas for spend would include modernising existing facilities.

© 2004 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.