Devgen and IRRI form a partnership for the development of drought-tolerant rice hybrids to the benefit of the Asian rice farmers
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Ghent (Belgium), Los Baños (The Philippines), March 31, 2010
Devgen (Euronext Brussels; DEVG) and the International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) today announced the establishment of a partnership for the development of
hybrid rice varieties capable of withstanding drought more efficiently than the
presently available varieties.
In recent years, rice crops in China, India, and other drought-affected
countries in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa seriously suffered from drought stress
resulting in reduced rice production. In rain fed areas, rice farmers are highly
dependent on rainfall to grow their crops. In the absence of rain, "drought
stress" can have a severe impact on yield.
"Lower yields mean farmers have less rice to feed their families and sell to
their communities. Subsequently, rice prices may increase, causing devastating
consequences for more than 60% of the world's poorest who live in Asia and rely
on rice as their staple food," said Dr. Arvind Kumar, who is leading IRRI's
drought-tolerant rice research under the new partnership.
"Under climate change, droughts are predicted to become more frequent in these
rain fed areas that are home to 45% of all rice production," he added. "If
countries like India can protect rice production through drought-hardy crops, we
will have come a long way in providing food security to the most vulnerable
people in Asia."
IRRI has identified traits that enhance drought resistance in rice. Under the
terms of the agreement, IRRI and Devgen will apply Devgen's innovative hybrid
rice technology to breed some of these traits into breeding lines through
marker-assisted breeding in order to develop drought-resistant rice hybrids.
Following appropriate trials, Devgen will start to market its hybrids through
its distribution channels, offering farmers in rain fed areas a practical
solution to one of their most severe problems. The drought material used in this
work, will remain widely available to other IRRI partners for rice improvement
work.
"We are very excited about this agreement. Abiotic stress such as drought is a
substantial yield- limiting factor for farmers who depend on rain to irrigate
their land," said Dr. Thierry Bogaert, CEO of Devgen. "It is the aim of both
IRRI and Devgen to offer solutions to farmers to increase their yields in the
face of water scarcity."
The four-year Scientific Know-how Exchange Program (SKEP) also promotes capacity
building and scientific interaction between IRRI and Devgen for drought
phenotyping, molecular QTL-mapping, and marker-assisted breeding in hybrid rice.
The Devgen/IRRI agreement will also ensure that IRRI, a nonprofit organization,
can continue to widely deliver its research, including the seed of new rice
varieties, to its partners. This agreement does not provide for exclusive access
to IRRI's research or research outcomes, while recognizing the Intellectual
Property (IP) of both parties.
Director General of IRRI, Dr. Robert Zeigler added that "Our agreement with
Devgen is another way that we can bring public and private-sector research
together to attack the problem of low productivity in rain fed areas highly
prone to drought. We are looking forward to working with Devgen on this project
and seeing our results directly benefit farmers who have largely been
marginalized from most agricultural innovations."
In 2010, IRRI celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its establishment, IRRI has
fostered many partnerships with the private sector and others that have
increased IRRI's capacity to deliver on its mission to improve the welfare of
rice farmers and consumers-particularly through higher rice yields. This
agreement with Devgen is part of the latest generation of IRRI's collaborations
with private-sector partners to increase the scope and impact of rice research.
About the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
IRRI is a nonprofit independent organization that, through rice research, aims
to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers,
and ensure rice production is environmentally sustainable.
IRRI is a global leader in rice science. Since 1960, we have helped farmers
boost their rice production through improved rice varieties and other
technologies. Based in the Philippines, we also have offices in 14 other nations
and are supported by our donors worldwide.
www.irri.org
Also see http://beta.irri.org/test/j15/index.php
About Devgen nv
Devgen's mission is to enable farmers to sustainably grow more food on less
land, with less water, agrochemicals and labour.
Devgen uses advanced biotechnology and molecular breeding technology to make
high yielding seeds and crop protection solutions with a superior environmental
profile.
Devgen brings this technology to the market in the world's major food and feed
crops through two complementary strategies:
- Licensing Devgen technology for use in corn, cotton and soy and selected
other crops in exchange for R&D funding, and milestone and royalty payments;
- Producing and selling its premium hybrid seeds in major field crops such as
rice, sunflower, sorghum, and pearl millet, in the Indian subcontinent and
South-East Asia.
In its Crop Protection unit, Devgen developed and has taken to market a novel
nematicide, an agro-chemical product that protects crops from damage by
parasitic nematodes.
Incorporated in 1997, Devgen has offices in Ghent (Belgium), Singapore,
Hyderabad (India), General Santos (the Philippines) and Delaware (US) and
employs more than 280 people.
For more information please contact:
Thierry Bogaert, Wim Goemaere, CFO
CEO
Tel. +32 9 324 24 24 Tel. +32 9 324 24 24
Thierry.Bogaert(at)devgen.com Wim.Goemaere(at)devgen.com
Or visit: www.devgen.com
This press release may contain forward-looking statements containing the words
"anticipates", "expects" , "intends", "plans", "estimates", "may" and
"continues" as well as similar expressions. Such forward looking statements may
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might
cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Devgen to be materially
different from any future results or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include, among others: agricultural risks and difficulties,
including weather factors, diseases and pests, the costs and requirements of
regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received; public
acceptance of biotechnology products; political, economic and social
developments in countries where Devgen operates and other risks and factors
detailed in the company's most recent annual report.
These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of
this document. Devgen disclaims any obligation to update such forward looking
statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations,
conditions or circumstances on which such statement is based, unless required by
law or regulation. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer
or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or
subscribe for any securities issued by Devgen NV.
[HUG#1399527]
PR ENG FINAL: http://hugin.info/135721/R/1399527/355027.pdf
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Datum: 31.03.2010 - 02:31 Uhr
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