The commercial value of the total global production of genetically engineered crops in 2003-04 is reckoned at $44 billion. | |
| Nearly 98 per cent of this is accounted for by five countries - the US, Argentina, China, Canada and Brazil. Bulk of the volume is from four crops -soyabean, cotton, corn and rapeseed. |
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| These estimates have been made in a study entitled "Global diffusion of plant biotechnology: international adoption and research in 2004" conducted by C. Ford Runge, director of the University of Minnesota's Centre for international food and agricultural policy. |
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| The study reveals that the US accounts for over half of the biotech crop output in value terms, roughly around $27.5 billion. |
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| Argentina comes next with $ 8.9 billion, followed by China with $ 3.9 billion, Canada with $ 2 billion and Brazil with $ 1.6 billion. |
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| India has begun commercial cultivation of only genetically engineered cotton. |
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| Field trials and experiments are underway in the country on several other biotech crops, including cabbage, potatoes, rice and tomato. |
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| North America is the epicentre for plant biotechnology research. |
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| Over half of the 63 nations engaged in research, development and production of such crops are developing countries. |
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| "Western Europe, China, Argentina,Brazil, South Africa, Australia and India are centres of influence that will |
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| help lead development into the future," the study maintains. |
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| China has invested heavily in biotech research, making the country second in the world in biotech research funding behind the US. |
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| In India, at least 20 academic and research institutions are involved in plant biotech research. |
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| "Many Indian scientists hope to usher in the second green revolution while adding another facet to its already booming knowledge-based economy," the study points out. |
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