SciDev.Net

The Chinese government will roll out a US$3.5 billion research project for GM crops later this month.

Agricultural research advances in Africa — including seeds that can improve crop yields — are not reaching farmers, say top scientists.

A national biosafety body has been established in Pakistan, which will monitor biotechnology and trans-border infectious diseases.

A senior African Union official has urged African leaders to allow commercial growing of GM crops.

Scientists from Africa have revealed the origins of the virulent maize streak virus, which causes devastating disease on the continent.

South African scientists are developing a tobacco plant genetically engineered to turn red near landmines.

The negative attitude of European nations towards GM food is affecting commercialisation policies, says a leading Chinese scientist.

The Indian government has been accused of misleading the international community over its biosafety framework, but denies the allegations.

Does current biosafety and biotechnology training meet the capacity needs of developing countries? Far from it, according to a new report.

Egypt has approved a Bt maize variety for commercialisation, the first genetically modified crop to gain approval in the country.

Scientists have produced a draft genome sequence of a genetically modified papaya that could benefit future cultivation of the fruit.

A global agriculture study has called for an increase in agricultural research to feed the world's growing population sustainably.

Uganda has approved its first National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy, for promotion and regulation of biotechnology use.

China will launch a five-year research programme into GM crops, focusing on issues including nutrition improvement and drought resistance.

Mexico has published guidelines for the approval of genetically modified organisms under its biosafety law.

Chinese researchers have developed a new method to prevent genetically modified crops spreading to conventional plant populations.

A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.

The African component of an initiative aiming to provide small farmers with tailor-made rice varieties has been launched in Benin.

A round up of news from or about Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 25 February–12 March 2008.

Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia have joined forces to create varieties of barley suitable for the North African region.