Chinese scientists have developed 55 new genetically modified (GM) cotton strains, bringing economic returns of 16.8 billion yuan (2.1 billion U.S. dollars), said Vice Minister of Science and Technology Liu Yanhua.

"The cultivation of new strains, covering an area of more than 100 million mu (12.5 million ha.), has already been put into commercial production," said Liu.

The new varieties boast traits such as worm, herbicide and disease resistance, and high yields, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

Liu said the research into foodstuff genetic engineering had promoted the development of China's GM technology and helped to ensure the country's food security and increasing competitiveness.

Cotton has become China's most widely planted GM product, since it was first introduced in 1998.

In genetic modification, genes from outside sources, often from other crops or bacteria, are transplanted into the plant. The process has proved effective in increasing insect resistance.

The domestic market share of China-made insect-resistant GM cotton increased from 5 percent in 1998 to more than 70 percent in 2005.

China has developed more than 100 varieties of GM farm produce, but the government has only allowed five categories on the market: soybeans, corn, oil-seed rape, cotton and tomatoes.

The government has invested 510 million yuan (63.75 U.S.dollars) in GM plant research.

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