Farming in the future

Bayer CropScience research scientists assess enhanced stress tolerance characteristics in a new generation of hybrid rice.

Sustainable agriculture needs innovation

Bayer CropScience intends to apply all the technological opportunities that present themselves to improve targeted use of crop protection products in the interests of sustainable arable farming, thereby creating the conditions for successful management of resources to the benefit of society and the environment. The group has set itself specific targets for sustainable agriculture. They are all equally important and can be divided into three areas:

Economic factors
• Improving the efficiency and productivity of agriculture
• Reducing losses before and after harvest

Environmental factors
• Targeted pest management to reduce harm to the environment
• Improving the productivity of arable land to protect wild biotopes

Social factors
• Ensuring an adequate supply of high-quality foodstuffs
• Meeting the increased need for alternative energy resources

More efficient production from a limited acreage requires a holistic approach, taking account of crop rotation and irrigation techniques, along with crop protection solutions and higher-yielding seeds.

Stress reduces harvests dramatically: Potentially record harvests (total column length) are compromised partly by insect pests, plant diseases and competition from weeds. For the lion’s share of harvest losses, however, abiotic factors like heat, coldor drought are responsible.

As an innovator in the sector, Bayer CropScience firmly believes that research and development hold the key to meeting the challenges of an evolving agricultural sector. "We need to increase yields significantly in view of the rising world population. The only way of doing this is through intensive agricultural research and innovation", agreed Professor Dr. Stefan Tangermann, Director of the OECD Trade and Agriculture Directorate.

Securing harvests and making plants stronger

The sustainable agriculture of the future relies on innovation: this is why Bayer CropScience is using biotechnology as a critical procedure to make plants less sensitive to the stresses imposed by climatic and environmental factors and to increase resistance to pests. Methods such as hybridisation and molecular breeding are already starting to play a more significant role alongside conventional breeding methods. This innovative technology enables Bayer CropScience to offer a range of solutions such as more productive varieties of rice or cereals.

[ last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 ]