Genetically-engineered corn yields benefits for farmers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is a showcase for the improved productivity brought by genetically-modified corn technology for Vietnam as it starts the commercial planting of GM corn this year.

Hardeep Grewal, Syngenta Asia Pacific head for corn, said the Philippines’ approval of planting trials of GM corn in 2002, the start of commercial planting in 2003, and the declaration of corn self-reliance in 2012, were examples of how agriculture biotechnology could benefit farmers and dramatically improve yields.

Grewal had led Syngenta’s effort at introducing GM corn technology in 2005. He shared how Filipino corn farmers had welcomed the offer to try GM corn techno-logy to improve their corn production.

In Vietnam, Grewal said the Philippines’ GM corn story was cited to highlight how biotech could also boost corn production.

“We have the ability to bring technological innovations that are happening in many parts of the world to small farmers in APAC,” Grewal said.

Syngenta is the first company to receive the government’s approval to launch commercial GM corn farming in Vietnam.

Dr. Randy Hautea, global coordinator of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications-Asia based in Los Baños, Laguna, said Vietnam had the potential of even surpassing the Philippines in the successful adoption of Syngenta’s GM corn techno-logy.

Hautea said Vietnam corn farmers have reportedly adopted 100 percent hybrid corn technology.

“Vietnam corn growers are almost 100 percent hybrid corn.  Hybrid corn is an earlier generation technology because there are no biotech traits yet,” Hautea said.

“But that tells you that farmers buy seeds if the benefits are clear to them. Otherwise, it would not be 100 percent adoption (in Vietnam).

Vietnamese farmers definitely understand the value of improved seeds if the hybrid corn situation is an indication,” Hautea said.

Industry observers noted while the Philippines was host to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), it had fallen behind its neighbors in the Asean in efficient and high rice production, with Vietnam and Thailand being the top rice producers and exporters.

He said developing and industrial countries that had been receptive, if not, aggressive in adopting of GM seed technology, had become top feed corn producers and exporters.