Author : Teng, Paul S.

Summary : This paper attempts to present the industry perspective on what agricultural biotechnology can contribute to developing countries. Key topics discussed are: 1) why private sector is interested in biotechnology, 2) adding value to current products and creating value through new products, 3) consumer acceptance and concerns, 4) producer acceptance of product stewardship, 5) need for clear regulatory and framework, and 6) sharing of proprietory technology. Identified as the major applications of biotechnology in agriculture are: 1) the use of molecular markers in studying genetic diversity of plants, insect pests and pathogens, varietal identification, marker-aided selection and as diagnostic tools and 2) genetic engineering to transfer specific useful traits. Moreover, the author emphasized the great potential of biotechnology to address food security problem of developing countries to increase production where it is needed.