The plant, which is due to produce seeds to be exported largely to the rest of Africa and other countries abroad, signals SA's growing stature in the genetically modified market as both producer and exporter.
SA is considered Africa's top genetically modified foods producer, having been among the first countries on the continent to take up research and production of the seeds.
The Lichtenburg plant's opening comes barely a month after North West Premier Thandi Modise promised a provincial growth and development strategy conference in Mmabatho she would create an environment for business to invest in, and speed up job creation.
Monsanto in SA exports about 300000 10kg bags of genetically modified seeds, with 35 000 kernels each, to Europe, the Philippines and Egypt.
Kobus Lindeque, MD of Monsanto for sub-Sahara Africa, said at the plant's opening ceremony last weekend that the facility, built at a cost of R150 million, was meant "to provide farmers with the best quality genetic seed" such as maize.
"Ten years ago, the average maize yield in SA was just over two tons per hectare. Today, the average yield is more than four tons, thanks to the genetically modified technology," he said.
The plant covers 220m² and can store about 140 000 seed bags of 21kg each.
It will be in full production from next month. It has a full-time staff of 30 and will create 300 seasonal jobs at harvest time, between June and September.
The plant comprises the latest grain drying and laboratory research technology.
It also boasts of a laboratory for a variety of scientific tests, including eight levels of DNA tests for the correct traits, seed purity and germination vigour.
The drying facility can handle 320 tons of wet cobs a day.
"This facility at Lichtenburg will make a massive impact on the future of agriculture," said Lindeque.
Monsanto has plans to establish a similar plant in Zambia.
Lindeque said Monsanto's investment in seed modification research and technology had ensured there was food for everybody in SA and a large part of Africa.
Steve Galane, spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, welcomed the investment, saying it would boost the economy of Lichtenburg and surrounding towns.
However, "genetically modified seeds in SA are still an adventure and therefore regulated to ensure that exports are based on the licence acquired from and monitored by the department, because not every country in Africa is as yet open to genetically modified seeds".
Source: Business Day
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