In the case of HT rice, the technology that the JV will commercialise is called ‘FullPage’ which is a new generation double stack mutant herbicide-tolerant rice technology.
Leading Seed company, Mahyco announced that company has formed a 50:50 joint venture with US-based seeds company ‘RiceTec’ called ‘Paryan’ to introduce environment-friendly non-GMO herbicide tolerant (HT) rice and wheat varieties for Indian farmers.
The Joint venture which is one among the many that Mahyco has entered with a global seeds company after the highly successful one with Monsanto — will be for licensing of HT traits and HT traited hybrids and varieties across rice and wheat to seed companies, each of whom will introduce these technologies into their varieties of seeds.
The rice and wheat hybrids and varieties from these technologies are resistant to the commonly used broad-spectrum herbicide called ‘imazethapyr’. The promoters claimed that farmers can freely use the herbicide ‘imazethapyr’ without the fear of plants turning yellow which makes them ideal for direct seeding without the fear of weeds. While the wheat varieties are suitable for zero-tillage cultivation.
In the case of HT rice, the technology that the JV will commercialise is called ‘FullPage’ which is a new generation double stack mutant herbicide-tolerant rice technology.
And, in the case of wheat, the technology is called the ‘FreeHit’system which is also a unique double-stacked herbicide tolerant mutant in specially bred wheat varieties and specially formulated herbicide that will help farmers control weeds and increase yields.