St. Louis, Missouri
June 21,  2001

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of India's Ministry of Environment said today that insect- protected cotton has performed better than conventional cotton, and it is encouraging
Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited (Mahyco), Monsanto's seed partner in India, to conduct additional large-scale trials of the insect- protected cotton this growing season.

"We will continue to work with Mahyco, cotton growers, researchers and the regulatory authorities to conduct the steps necessary to bring insect- protected cotton to Indian farmers," said Robert T. Fraley, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief technology officer of Monsanto Company.

"Biotechnology makes it possible for plants to protect themselves from insects, and this technology is already reducing insecticide applications and increasing farm income for farmers in other nations. We're pleased that the Indian government acknowledges the potential of the technology."

During the past several years, Mahyco has conducted more than 100 field trials with insect-protected cotton in different planting regions in India. While Mahyco has fulfilled the guidelines and directives issued by the government, the official approval process has caused some of the previous field trials to be planted later in the year, which prevented full-season demonstration of the benefits of the technology.

As suggested by GEAC, Mahyco plans to begin planting field trials on an additional 250 acres under the supervision of GEAC and other designated monitoring groups. Mahyco and Monsanto hope to receive the necessary approvals to make insect-protected seed available to Indian cotton growers for the 2002 season.

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, see: www.monsanto.com. 

Company news release
N3601