A technology center for genetically modified crops will be jointly established by the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII) and the Vice Presidential Office for Science and Technology in the near future.
Head of ABRII Nayer Azam Khoshkholgh-Sima told Mehr News Agency the center will help develop new research projects and widen the range of studies in the growing GM sector.
It will house special equipment for advanced technological research on GM crops.
Genetically modified crops (GM crops or biotech crops) are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering methods.
In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species. Examples in food crops include resistance to certain pests, disease, environmental conditions, reduction of spoilage, resistance to chemical treatment or improving the nutrient profile of the crop.
Khoshkholgh-Sima said earlier studies carried out on genetically modified food both for human and livestock, in addition to the application of genetic engineering techniques in agriculture yielded promising results.
ABRII is planning to get help from local knowledge-based companies and the private sector to commercialize the research results.
The pilot production of GM products is subject to permits from the ministries of agriculture and health and the Department of Environment.
"When the licenses are issued, the institute will promote and commercialize the research results with private sector assistance.”
This will be a great opportunity for private knowledge-based companies to start working on the production of GM crops, she said.
Iran has registered progress in the field of genetic engineering after two types of drugs and GM cotton (a genetically modified, insect-resistant cotton variety) were unveiled in 2016.
Cultivation of GM cotton is awaiting final permit from the Health Ministry.
