Indonesia reconsidering its opposition to genetically modified crops

Divya Karyza | Jakarta Post | April 3, 2025 The [Indonesian] government is looking to develop genetically modified organisms (GMO) to boost domestic soybean production and reduce imports in a move experts say is “unnecessary” as it is expected to fail to address key hurdles in national soybean production. National Food Agency (Bapanas) head Arief Prastyo Adi…

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Ghana releases first GMO crop for commercial cultivation

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute has released the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea, the first genetically modified crop (GMO) to be developed in the country, for commercial cultivation. This cowpea variety is resistant to diseases and pests, particularly the pod borer, matures early, is highly nutritious, and produces higher yields. With…

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Chill-proof tomatoes? CRISPR gene-editing breakthrough

In a significant advancement for agricultural biotechnology, researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that enhances the cold tolerance of tomatoes. This breakthrough is pivotal for cultivating crops in cooler climates, ensuring stable yields and bolstering global food security. The study focuses on the SlGAD2 gene, which, when overexpressed, elevates the plant’s γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels,…

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Gene-edited-wheat trial successful

Chris McCullough For Agri-View   Results from Europe’s first-ever field trial of a gene-edited variety of wheat have shown a significant reduction of the potential carcinogen acrylamide when the flour is baked. Researchers at Rothamsted Research in the United Kingdom used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR to eliminate a gene in the wheat. The CRISPR…

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Scientists develop mutant rice capable of resisting common crop disease — here’s why it’s so important

This is not only a significant scientific milestone but also a potential economic and social boon. by Susan Elizabeth Turek, May 29, 2024 The Cool Down Scientists have made an exciting breakthrough that resulted in mutant rice with enhanced immunity against a devastating disease. As detailed by Natural Science News, a team from China’s Jilin Academy of…

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Embu farmers now jump on cruising Bt cotton bandwagon

“If you gave me the old one, I would tell you ‘No, no. Go away, I do not want it,” Magondu says and then his brow furrows as if he is in very deep thought. “The old one, you cannot even remotely compare. The bollworms made it their lodging, and that is not everything, even.”…

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GMOs and gene-edited foods: Can these fast-evolving technologies help make crops more climate-change resilient while boosting food security?

In this Q&A, Carbon Brief looks at the difference between GMOs and gene-edited foods and whether these technologies can help crops deal with climate change while boosting food security. Do genetically modified crops benefit climate mitigation and adaptation? There have been a lot of claims – and counter-claims – about the climate benefits of GMOs,…

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