Johannesburg - Genetically modified (GM) crops are surging ahead in South Africa, where during the 2009/10 planting season it is estimated that 10% more white maize and 14% more soybeans have been planted, Andrew Bennett, Monsanto's technology development manager for GM crops in Africa, said on Wednesday.

White and yellow maize are estimated at 2.5 million ha, of which over 75% is GM, he said.

In a new year's message, Bennett said 2009 was undoubtedly "the Golden Era for GM crops worldwide."

A vast new range of GM crops was developed to help feed the world, secure food security, and alleviate famine and poverty, Bennett said.

"Some of the most exciting and promising biotech crop achievements have been Monsanto's Genuity Roundup Ready 2 soybeans with increased omega-3 fatty acids, the world's first Bt rice and GM phytase maize in China, and Bt Brinjals in India," he added.

- I-Net Bridge