Khushboo Jha

Devgen

Devgen innovates in crop protection research and environment induced stress tolerance for its own crops and provides technology to corporate partners. The company is a recognized leader in research and development of RNAi-based crop protection applications. Devgen is shaping the field of hybrid rice in India and Southeast Asia and helps farmers meet the productivity increases needed to grow more food on less land using less water, labour and agro-chemicals. Thereto, Devgen uses advanced biotechnology and molecular breeding technology to develop the Next Generation Hybrid Rice (NGHRTM) seeds, improving yield, seed productivity, grain quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress factors. Anticipating the need to increase insect resistance and drought/heat tolerance in rice to a level that is beyond what can be achieved with traditional breeding, Devgen creates a portfolio of biotech traits using own technology as well as in-licensed technologies. In addition, Devgen developed a novel nematicide to protect crops from damage by parasitic nematodes. This product has superior environmental and worker exposure profile compared to existing solutions. Incorporated in 1997, Devgen has offices in Ghent (Belgium), and has subsidiaries in Singapore, Hyderabad (India), Yogyakarta (Indonesia), General Santos (the Philippines) and Delaware (US), totaling over 250 staff.