Monsanto greenhouse

Multinational seed developer Monsanto has expanded its research and development facility in India’s Bengaluru, focusing on development disease resistance and high-yielding tomato and pepper varieties.

India’s growing population and increasing vegetable consumption offer Monsanto business opportunities, vice president of Monsanto’s global vegetable business, Kenneth Avery, told the Hindu Business Line, adding that India was the second largest consumer of vegetables after the US.

The expanded facility is expected to employ a further 30 staff, with new tomato and cauliflower varieties to be launched over the coming year.