DuPont opens crop research centre in India

US-based DuPont has set up a new multi-crop research centre (MCRC) in Hyderabad, India, as part of its Pioneer seed business.

Established by DuPont Pioneer over an area of about 100 acres, the centre will house around 120 researchers who will be involved in the development of hybrid seeds for corn, rice, millet, mustard and cotton.

DuPont Pioneer develops advanced plant genetics to supply seeds to farmers across 90 countries.

The new facility will apply technological advancements such as molecular breeding and doubled haploids for the development of high quality hybrids to local and regional growing conditions.

DuPont South Asia and Asean president Balvinder Singh Kalsi said: "Our investment in this multi-crop research centre demonstrates our ongoing commitment to harness DuPont global science to create local solutions for Indian farmers and help address food security challenges.

"The new research facility will play a pivotal role in understanding regional challenges, weather changes, soil types and applying science to develop higher yielding products suitable to the Indian environment."

DuPont Pioneer has built similar research centres in the US, Brazil and China.

DuPont Pioneer India country manager Sharad Khurana said: "Working closely with the farmers across India, we know, they expect us to develop novel products that are widely adaptable to different soil types and weather conditions and are able to offer higher yields consistently with better tolerance towards pests and diseases.

"This facility will help us bring them the required crop solutions for the future."

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Image: The DuPont research centre will work closely with the farmers in India. Photo: courtesy of mckaysavage.