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DuPont to set up biotech research centre in India |
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Written by Giles Clark, London
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Wednesday, 14 March 2007 |
DuPont will locate its first plant biotechnology research centre outside the United States at the recently announced DuPont Knowledge Center, in Hyderabad, India.
"The global demand for agricultural crops is very strong. We have the science to help farmers and others across the value chain meet that growing demand, and this research center will help us do that faster," said Bill Niebur, vice president, DuPont Crop Genetics Research and Development.
Twenty DuPont crop genetics scientists have already begun working at temporarily leased facilities near the site where the DuPont Knowledge Center will be built. By the end of the year, DuPont expects the number of crop genetics scientists on site to grow to nearly 100 as part of its USD 100 million reinvestment plan. The plan will add more than 400 global positions, mainly in research and development, to increase the speed-to-market for new seed products.
DuPont today has major plant biotech research centers in Delaware, Iowa and California, along with 90 plant genetics research centers around the globe. Plant biotech scientists at the DuPont Knowledge Center in India will develop biotech traits and technologies that will be incorporated into multiple crops for markets around the world. The trait discovery work conducted on site will help create advanced seed products to meet the growing global demand for increased food production, improved animal feed products and expanding energy needs.
"This research facility reinforces the importance of India as a global center of scientific excellence," said DuPont India President and CEO Balvinder Kalsi. "The center will allow us to access tremendous scientific talent in this region in support of DuPont's efforts to create products that address the food, feed, fuel and materials challenges of the 21st Century."
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