Source: Xinhua News Service via Agnet Dec 28/06

Vice Minister of Science and Technology Liu Yanhua was cited as saying that Chinese scientists have developed 55 new genetically modified (GM) cotton strains, bringing economic returns of 16.8 billion yuan (2.1 billion U.S. dollars), adding, "The cultivation of new strains, covering an area of more than 100 million mu (12.5 million ha.), has already been put into commercial production."

The new varieties boast traits such as worm, herbicide and disease resistance, and high yields, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

Liu said the research into foodstuff genetic engineering had promoted the development of China's GM technology and helped to ensure the country's food security and increasing competitiveness.

Cotton has become China's most widely planted GM product, since it was first introduced in 1998.