China’s quest for self-sufficiency in semiconductors is widely discussed. But just as urgently, Beijing needs to address its growing imported food dependence as shortages loom. Approvals of seeds of genetically modified organisms (GMO) should boost production and suppliers.
Beijing has preliminarily approved 37 genetically modified corn seed and 14 soyabean seed varieties for planting. This marks a big change for a country long reluctant to allow local companies to grow GMO seeds commercially. Consumers have publicly opposed the technology.
But GMO seeds can increase much needed domestic yields. China is the world’s largest importer of soyabeans and corn, and should remain so for years as per capita consumption grows. Use of soyabean oil, for example, has more than quadrupled over the past two decades.