Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture indicated that the new strains had been grown over 400,000 hectares (988,421 acres), significantly reducing the use of pesticides to ward off the cotton boll worm, also known as the corn ear worm.

Scientists said that the genetically modified cotton produces good-quality fibre as well as having a high yield and good resistance to the worm.

The cotton varieties were developed as part of China's so-called 863 Project, which has already yielded more than 2,000 patents in high-technology research and development since it was initiated in March 1986.

Pest-resistant cotton is the only genetically modified plant that has received permission to be commercially produced in China.

China has made remarkable achievements in the development and application of genetic technology since the early 1980s, when it first began agricultural gene research, experts said.

So far, the country has successfully cloned more than 100 different genes and bred more than 180 species of genetically modified plant in laboratories.

In a separate development, the academy yesterday said it has just employed 83 renowned agricultural scientists from across the world.

The academy used the Internet earlier this year to invite people to apply to undertake research and development in China and more than 308 candidates applied.

The scientists are going to be involved in 25 top-priority research projects, including the development of agricultural policy, agronomy, gene research and food engineering.

Every scientist chosen is expected to receive 4 million yuan (US$481,920) in funding for research and the annual salary of each will be no less than 100,000 yuan (US$12,048).

(China Daily August 2, 2002)