DuPont and Advanta have entered into a collaboration and licensing agreement to develop and deliver sorghum with increased productivity and value.

Under the agreement, DuPont will provide proprietary biotechnology traits and enabling technologies to Advanta for the purpose of developing improved biotechnology sorghum products.

DuPont business' Pioneer Hi-Bred and Advanta will have commercial rights to sorghum products developed under the agreement, once regulatory approvals have been received. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, according to a press release issued here.

Improving productivity

Both the companies have significant presence in India. “Improving the productivity and livelihoods of farmers everywhere is critical to meeting the demands of the future population, and biotechnology crops continue to play an important role in increasing farmer productivity,” said Mr John Bedbrook, Vice-President – DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology.

“Advanta is the leading sorghum developer, and this partnership will enhance our sorghum product offering by providing more options through biotech traits. “This collaboration will accelerate our ability to provide high yielding, high-value biotechnology sorghum products to our customers,” said Mr Alberto Leon, Research Head.

A staple grain for many parts of the world, almost three-quarters of the world sorghum crop is used for human consumption. It is grown across the globe and ranks fifth in global production for cereals. It is planted in many dry regions because of its high-energy and tolerance to drought.

Pioneer is a leading seller of sorghum in all major areas of the US where sorghum is grown. With a range of forage, grain and sweet sorghum products in its portfolio, Advanta is a leading sorghum seed research and marketing company, the press release said.

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